NATURAL DISASTERS by Katherine Jarve It is important to have a plan in place to avoid heartbreak and legal problems
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event that it does not, you should, at minimum, discuss what is This fall Hurricane Ian devastated the southeast United expected and required of you in the event of a natural disaster. States, especially the states of Florida and South Carolina. It For example: has been considered the deadliest hurricane to strike Florida • Does the facility have a hurricane or natural disaster plan since 1935 leaving over a hundred people dead and thousands in place? more displaced due to widespread damage. Unfortunately, • If so, what is your role and/or responsibilities in the plan? horse owners are not immune to natural disasters. Hurricane • How is the property prepared and protected in the event Ian is a difficult reminder that many are unprepared for the extreme weather. This can lead to heart break as well as potential of extreme weather forecast? • How are horses kept safe? legal trouble. • Does the facility have an evacuation plan? To protect yourself and your horse, both legally and physi• If so, where are the horses going and how are they getcally, from extreme weather such as hurricanes, there are steps ting there? that every horse owner should take. Of course, geographic lo• What role are owners expected to play? cation will make a difference in what types of extreme weather Getting the answers to these questions up front will make events you may face. However, regardless of where you live, the process less stressful. you need to establish a plan for extreme weather hazards as there likely won’t be time to figure things out during an emergency. Horse owners have plenty to consider when managing the Plan ahead. Horse owners have plenty to safety of their horses and property during hurricane season or consider when managing the safety of their horses any other natural disaster, but planning ahead can be the and property during hurricane season or any other natural disaster, but planning ahead can be the difdifference between minor damage vs. catastrophic loss. ference between minor damage vs. catastrophic loss. Evacuation plan. Sometimes sheltering in place may be Make sure your property and barn are secured and make it too dangerous and you will need to evacuate. If evacuation is a habit to perform maintenance and repairs as needed. Check the best choice, do so as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to for loose or missing fence rails. Make sure all gates and barn identify an evacuation site early, including other farms and doors are secured. Trim trees and any weak branches that trainers you know. If you cannot find an empty stall at a could fall on buildings or fences. Depending on the nature of friend’s place, there are often large animal shelters set up. Lothe weather, it may be safer to leave horses outside in a large cate these places in advance of any storm threat and know their fenced in pasture as opposed to inside a barn. capacity, as they are likely to be in high demand during a seKeep a reserve of food and water in the barn that will be vere event. You don’t want to be left scrambling to find somedry and easily accessible. If you have or care for a large numwhere to take your horse with a storm rapidly approaching. ber of horses, you may consider investing in a generator to run Understand insurance coverage. Coverage for natural well water. disasters can vary and not all natural disasters are treated the You should also have your horse easily identified prior to same by an insurance carrier. Of course, this will depend on the onslaught of severe weather. Some horses are mithe type of policy you have and the policy language. It is imcrochipped or are branded. However, you should always put a halter on your horse identifying the horse’s name and your con- portant that you purchase the correct policy for your needs. As previously discussed in August’s article, most hometact information. You should also keep your horses up to date owner’s policies are not intended to cover farms and ranches. on all vaccinations, including a tetanus booster (tetanus can reIn fact, your farm or ranch is unlikely to be covered at all under sult from an injury caused by storm debris) and encephalitis (which can be carried by mosquitoes often more prevalent after a homeowner’s policy. Be sure that your outbuildings such as turn out sheds, barns and equipment buildings, are placed on a a storm). farm policy. Additionally, if you are in the commercial side of What if your horse is kept off-site at a trainer’s or breeder’s facility? Any well-drafted boarding or training agree- the equine industry (i.e. horse trainer or breeder), you will need the appropriate commercial and business insurance. ment should discuss the responsibilities of the parties. In the
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