ERAF Disaster Preparedness Plan
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
Barn Fires
Wildfires
Hurricane Preparation
Emergency First Aid Kit Items
Evacuation of Horses in Preparation for Catastrophic Storms
1.0 BarnFires
In case of a fire in the barn, 911 should be called immediately. The address for our physical
location is 6452 S.W. Markel Street, Palm City, Fl 34990. The nearest main cross street to
Markel Street is Citrus Boulevard. ERAF Office phone number is (772-220-0150). This
information should be posted next to the phone, and the current gate code should be given to
emergency personnel. The Barn Coordinator should be notified as soon as possible.
There is also a fire alarm located in the barn. If a fire is detected, it will Sound and alert the Fire
Department. All instructions, including how to disarm the alarm, are located on the wall in the
tack/laundry room next to the dryer.
Fire extinguishers are located outside of the barn office and are located near the last stall on
each end of the barn. Extinguishers should be checked on an annual basis to ensure that they
are working properly. Switches on the electrical panel should be turned off during a fire if
possible.
Be aware of all exits for horse and personnel evacuation. Every attempt should be made to
evacuate horses still in the barn during a fire. Exits are located at each end of the barn, in the
barn office, in the tack room, in the feed room, the aisle leading from the parking area, and the
two stalls on each side of the feed room lead to outside as well.
Horses inside the barn should be evacuated to the nearest safe exit. The horse should be
haltered and let out the nearest exit. A horse’s eyes covered only when necessary, using a rag,
shirt or towel (or whatever is available) to be led out. If smoke is very heavy, a horse’s nostrils
can be covered with a light wet towel until out of the smoke-filled area. Horses should not be
loose on the Caring Fields property, but should be safely led to and released into the pasture
nearest to the exit used for evacuation with the gate securely closed. Horses should not be
pastured alone in this stressful situation, as they may try to break through or jump over fences
to be with the rest of the herd.
The barn cats will most likely be able to escape the barn on their own during a fire. No one
should place themselves in a dangerous situation in an attempt to look for the cats.
2.0 Wildfires
Wildfires in the area should be closely monitored by barn personnel. If a fire is approaching the
area, preparations for evacuating the horses should be planned well in advance. ID tags should
be placed on each horse and all Coggins records, medical records and other vital information
will be transported with each horse to the evacuation area. ERAF’s evacuation area is a
location to be determined by the Barn Coordinator and Board of Directors. At least a 3 day
supply of grain, hay, supplements and medications should accompany evacuating horses to the
evacuation area. Feed and water buckets should also be taken. Other staff members and all
Board members should be notified if a wildfire evacuation becomes necessary.
If the barn cats must be evacuated, they will be kept at a location to be determined.
3.0 Hurricane Preparation
Preparations should be made well in advance of a storm, preferably at the beginning of a
hurricane season.
a. Check generator and gas supply
b. Prepare to keep a two to three week supply of hay, grain, supplements, medications
and cat food. These items can be stored at the Ed Center.
c. Check for adequate fresh water storage, including frozen soda/water bottles filled with
water to keep refrigerator cool in the case of power outage. Our old water tubs should
be filled and used as drinking water for the horses and barn cats. 12 – 18 gallons of
water per horse per day should be stored for drinking
d. Check supply of heavy duty trash bags, flashlights, battery operated lanterns, hand
sanitizer and baby wipes.
e. Check boarding for windows in office and tack room.
f. Check equipment storage in preparation for storm (including take down of the round
pen)
g. Prepare horse identification – tags, livestock markers on horses and halters.
h. Photographs or video of property and animals should be taken in advance of a storm
and securely stored for insurance and identification purposes.
i. Horse records and other important documents should be copied and stored in a plastic
container. These records should be moved to a secure location just before the storm at
a pre designated place.
j. Store and secure items that could become debris and projectiles during strong winds.
k. Have an adequate supply of chlorine bleach to treat contaminated water.
l. Fire extinguishers and fire alarm systems should be checked and tested.
m. Prepare to turn off the electricity to the barn and turn off the supply to the electric
fences. Circuit Breakers are located in the Tack/Laundry Room.
n. Have emergency first aid kit prepared and on-hand. The kit should be stored in a
secure location during the storm.
o. Fences should be checked and repairs made before the storm if horses will be turned
out during hurricane conditions.
p. Put breakaway halter on each horse with ID tag. No nylon halters during the storm!
4.0 Emergency First Aid Kit Items
 Any current medications for each horse
 Medications that may be needed
 Syringes or needles required to administer medication
 Ointments for wounds
 Hydrogen peroxide
 Bandages and wraps
 Medical Towels
 Scissors
 Medical tape
 At least two thermometers
 Flashlights with fresh batteries
 Hoof Knife
 Sterile gauze pads
 Vetwrap
 Additional halters and lead ropes
 Cotton-tipped swabs
 Hand-Sanitizing towels
 Eye flush and ointment
 Insect repellent
 Furazone
 Blue Kote spray
 Horseman’s Dream Cream
 Anything else we can think of for minor physical ailments or conditions
5.0 Evacuation of Horses in Preparation for Catastrophic Storms
ERAF has been listed on the Sunshine State Horse Council, Inc. (www.SSHC.org) as a shelter
during storms. Yes, ERAF is Currently Listed on WWW.SSHC.Org, But information needs to be
checked and updated, if necessary.
An evacuation decision will be determined by the Barn Coordinator and members of the Board
of Directors. In all probability, horses will remain at the ERAF barns during storms. The barn is
well-constructed and has adequately weathered numerous hurricanes. Many of ERAF’s horses
with health and physical problems would not be able to make a long trip in a horse trailer.
Horses remaining at the barn for the duration of the storm will be kept inside for storms in
Categories 1 – 3. Horses will be turned out to pasture for Category 4 and 5 storms if the
decision is made not to evacuate. Each horse must be wearing a breakaway halter during
hurricane conditions.
Evacuation factors to be considered will be intensity and anticipated location of landfall and
conditions associated with the storm. Locations in north and south Florida, as well as locations
out of state are available to be considered. Stable locations for disaster evacuations are
available in Georgia and South Carolina, with specific information on these locations on file.
Evacuation routes will be discussed when location is determined.
In the case of a decision to evacuate, horses that are able to physically make the trip will be
transported by ERAF trailer and trailers owned and operated by ERAF members at least 72
hours before anticipated hurricane conditions. Rescue horses that are not physically able to
make a long trip will be relocated to more stable and secure structures in the immediate area
until the storm passes (Martin Downs). All coggins records, medical records and other vital
information will be transported with each horse. Sufficiient supplies of feed, water, buckets
and necessary medications will also be transported.
Barn cats will remain at the barn unless it is determined that the structure of the barn will not
withstand the anticipated winds. If the cats must be evacuated, they will be kept at a location
to be determined.
Emergency animal transport services in the area and Emergency Management contacts for
Martin County are attached. This information can also be found at www.flsart.org.
More disaster preparedness information can be found at WWW.floridadisaster.org.
For all volunteers, staff and personnel responding to a disaster at ERAF you must bring all
food, drinks, clothing, bug spray, bedding, toiletries and medication for yourself. It is
important that you assume that there is nothing being furnished for you. If you respond, plan
at least for two or three days for all of these items. If you have a working phone you are
advised to Call the Barn Manager or a Board member to find out where to meet if the road to
the barn is blocked. There will be vehicles available to get you to the barn from a cental
meeting area to be determined according to the disaster declared.
Emergency Management Agency Staff
2013
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EMA Director: Debra McCaughey (772) 219 4942
Deputy EMA Director/Rep Administrator: Chris Church (772) 463-2852
PlannerII/Special Needs Program: Carol Dryburgh (772) 419-2664
Administrative Specialist: (772) 219-4941
Emergency Public Information Line: (772) 287-1652
Emergency Management Fax: (772) 286-7626
Florida Disaster Prepare and Stay Aware List
Water: at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food: at least enough for 3 to 7 days
Non –perishable packaged or canned food/juice
Snack foods
Non-electric can opener
Cooking tools/fuel
Paper plates/plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing: seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit/ Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items:
Toiletries – hygiene items
Moisture Wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.
Keys
Books / Games
Important Documents – in a waterproof container
Tools – Keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled