Hurricanes, Floods and Horses
DEBORAH STANITSKI, M.D.
There are numerous tips in Dr. Jahiel’s general disaster preparedness article that are common to
all disasters. It should be unnecessary to again mention the issues of Coggins tests and
vaccinations. Certain states (check your state extension service or ask your vet) that additionally
require a health certificate (e.g. Florida) to cross state lines. Generally trailering is unsafe for
winds above 40 mph so a last-minute evacuation is ill-advised, First Responders are often not
allowed to respond until winds are less than 40 mph. In addition to those already mentioned, there
are issues specific to either hurricanes or floods. One should note that “tidal surges” associated
with hurricanes can easily cause flooding. The magnitude of this is dependant on the tidal stage at
the time; simply put is it high or low tide. A dramatic example was the 21-foot tidal surge
associated with hurricane Hugo in Charleston, South Carolina. This obviously caused significant
flood damage in addition to the hurricane.
BEFORE THE STORM
Advance warning for hurricanes is currently good and fairly accurate. It will give the horse
and/or farm owner enough time for evacuation if necessary.
If one has horse property, pre-storm “clean up” prevents any debris from becoming a missile
with hurricane-force winds. Even in the event of evacuation, which is recommended for
hurricanes, strengthening of the barn is a good idea by adding hurricane strips to barn roofs and
screws to nailed joints. Plywood purchase is good for window coverage in those without
“hurricane glass” (more common in newer homes but uncommon in older homes or barns).
55-gallon rubber garbage cans with securable lids are useful for water storage (10
gallons/horse/day) as well as for waterproof grain storage. Extra water buckets (at least 3/horse)
are useful. Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit (discuss the contents with your vet).
One should also have an emergency repair kit, a chain saw and fuel, hammer, nails, screws,
screwdriver, wire cutter, work gloves, adjustable wrench, spare fence boards and posts.
Make sure your trailer(s) is in good repair and tire properly inflated. Assure that horse will load
and unload promptly. As per Dr. Jahiel’s article make sure all horse-related important information
(Coggins, vaccinations etc.) is readily accessible.
AS THE STORM APPROACHES
Farm equipment, tractors or trailers not in use, should be placed such that falling trees cannot
damage them and camper tie downs should be used to secure the horse trailers. The method of
horse ID seems to be a subject of varying opinion. Implantable microchips are dependant on an
available reading device and IDs attached to halter may be lost if the halter breaks (which it
should be able to do). IDs braided into the mane (like a “dog tag”) are unlikely to come off the
horse. Also popular is permanent marker or non-toxic paint applied directly to the horse’s coat.
Evacuation plans need to be in place and implemented when necessary but are unique to one’s
location, number of horses, trailer spots... A trailer “buddy” is useful in an emergency and it is
safer than trailering alone. In a hurricane, evacuation is recommended for a number of reasons.
One should evacuate in plenty of time, ideally 48 hours prior to the anticipation of hurricane force
winds. Facilities able to accept horses may have their own boarders; thus several facilities with
available space must always be in the yearly evacuation plan.
AS THE HURRICANE APPROACHES
In the event that evacuation is impossible or not part of your plan, one should ideally have a
two-week supply of hay and grain as either may become temporarily unavailable in your area.
The grain should be sealed in sturdy garbage bags or, as mentioned previously, in 55 gallon
plastic garbage cans. This should be kept in a high, dry place if possible. Hay should be placed on
pallets not sitting on the ground, weighed down with logs or something heavy, and then covered
with waterproof tarps. Plastic directly on hay may promote moulding.
Make sure there is potable clean water in all troughs and the same size rubber garbage cans
may be purchased for that purpose (and kept indoors). Make sure the repair and first aid kits, as
well as horses’ important information is in an easily accessible location. Make sure there are no
loose objects outdoors and move and tie down any trailers and tractors. Braid IDs into manes or
mark the horses indellibly. Put extra bedding and hay into each stall and fill at least 3 water
buckets/horse. Administer tranquilizer (per vet instructions) to stalled horses. Finally, turn off
barn circuit breakers.
AFTER THE HURRICANE PASSES
Do not wait to be “rescued” or helped as everyone nearby is in the same predicament. First of
all, attend to any horse’s medical needs. If the barn has been flooded by the storm, try to evacuate
horses to higher ground, preferably on your property. Beware of sand deposition from the storm
on grass as horses may graze on this and ingest it. Give horses additional hay and fresh water if
necessary but only give grain to horses that can then be turned out.
Try to make the access road to your barn free of debris. This may require chainsaw use on tree
limbs or trunks. Repair the barn and paddocks as you are able to make them safe. Assure electrical
wiring is intact prior to turning on circuit breakers. Once your horse(s) and barn are safe and
secure, see if your neighbors need help.
Usually, in states prone to frequent hurricanes (like Florida) there is an Emergency Support
Function officer in charge of animal emergencies who reports to an Emergency Command
Officer. This individual usually reports to the state veterinarian. The state veterinary school may
have its own Emergency Response Team (Louisiana)or information regarding emergency
disaster-related animal treatment.
HORSES AND FLOODS
Floods are a common natural disaster. Many properties are in flood plains. Tidal surges causing
flooding may be associated with hurricanes. In general, floods can be slow or fast rising. Slowrising floods are typical of creeks or rivers overflowing. They are usually predictable and are l
said to reach a certain height. Flash floods, or fast-rising floods, are commonly due to extremely
heavy rainfall or melting snow and can occur suddenly. These types of floods are also typical of
dam or levee failure. It is important to know your property flood plain status, location and size of
maximum property elevation as well as proximity to mountains (snow melt), creeks, rivers and
dams. Make sure your driveway is well-constructed to avoid being stranded in a flood.
PREPARING FOR FLOODS
This is actually no different than other disasters such as hurricanes in terms of the “plan”,
horse(s) ID, first aid and repair kit, food and potable water. As with other disasters prompting
evacuation do so early enough to avoid traffic jams. Assume you will need to take everything in
order to be self-reliant for 72 hours.
Try to assess your property in terms of water flow particularly in the event of a flash flood
where formal evacuation may not be feasible. Place horses, hay and drinking water at the highest
point of your property to prevent drowning of a stall-confined horse. Except for foals, pregnant
mares and the elderly, horses are generally good swimmers and can tolerate standing in water for
48-72 hours.
A genetic and breed-related condition (hyperperlipemia) can be triggered in those susceptible
individuals and can occur in as little as 12 hours if grazing is not possible as in a flood crisis. This
condition develops in 1-2 days of decreased food intake, and if not recognized within 3-5 days of
onset is often fatal within 8-10 days due to more rapid energy depletion.
AFTER THE FLOOD
Grain and hay have hopefully been stored properly and not contaminated by some other toxic
substance in the barn. Horses trapped in mud can seriously injure themselves (fracturing a limb).
Mosquitoes, other insects, snakes and reptiles may be abundant. Not only can they annoy the
horse but some insects carry diseases. Certain snakes are poisonous. Crocodiles and alligators are
dangerous especially if hungry.
If horses are confined to higher ground, surrounded by water, they are likely sharing this with
other less desirable creatures such as snakes and reptiles. If you are going out by boat to “visit”
and/or give food and water to your horse(s) make sure to wear “snake-proof” boots and gloves.
Stay away from crocodiles and alligators. Do not let pets or children accompany you.
If taking food out to animals also take clean drinking water. Although the horses may be
surrounded by water it is often contaminated with pathogens such as Salmonella spp., E. coli, and
Giardia. Additionally the water may contain other harmful organisms, run-off from bird roosting
area, cattle farms, sewage and fertilizer.
SKIN AND HOOF PROBLEMS
Soft hooves resulting in thrush or abscesses may result from standing in water or on very wet
ground. Rain “rot” is common under these conditions. If one is able to “visit” their horses while
stranded these problems, aside from abscess drainage, are manageable topically.
PASTURES FOLLOWING FLOODING
Generally, in the absence of continued rain, it takes 7-10 days, following recession of flood
waters, for a pasture to “recover” prior to allowing horses to again use it. This waiting time will
reduce soil erosion and the risk of hoof problems from water-logged ground. Prior to turning
horses out again, make sure the fencing is secure, old food and contaminated water have been
removed, debris is gone and clean water is available.
After consultation with your vet, a tetanus booster may be a good idea for those horses who
have not had one in two years. Horses must be carefully observed for stress-related colic, skin
problems, abscesses or other infections related to lacerations.
The deposition of sand onto pasture grass on which the horses want to graze will cause sand
ingestion. This will increase the risk of sand colic. Over time, normal rain will wash this out.