Authored By:  Amanda Masholie, UF/ IFAS Extension Service Walton County

With hurricane season underway, equine veterinarians and emergency managers across the Florida Panhandle are urging horse owners and farm managers to update — or establish — comprehensive disaster preparedness plans. The region, historically vulnerable to major storms, faces heightened risks each year, making planning essential for animal safety.

Nationwide, equine specialists emphasize that disaster readiness goes far beyond storm preparation. Effective plans should also address medical emergencies, disease outbreaks, biosecurity measures, animal quarantine and the possibility of major injuries or animal deaths.

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Designating a Decision Maker

Experts stress that every farm must identify a single, authoritative decision maker before a crisis occurs. This individual is responsible for determining whether horses will evacuate or shelter in place — a choice that often must be made quickly as storms approach.

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Ensuring Reliable Animal Identification

Permanent identification, such as microchips, tattoos, or brands, remain the gold standard for reuniting owners with displaced horses. Veterinarians offer microchipping services and can assist with registration paperwork.

Visible identification is vital during emergencies. Breakaway halters with ID tags, plastic neckbands, livestock paint, chalk markings, braided tags, and even contact information written on hooves can help rescuers identify animals in chaotic conditions.

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Maintaining a Detailed Animal Inventory

Owners should keep updated photographs and written descriptions of each horse, including breed, color, markings, scars, and whorls. Digital copies should be stored in the cloud, while hard copies should be sealed in waterproof bags and kept in an accessible, secure location.

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Protecting Medical Records

Copies of Coggins tests, vaccination histories, medical notes, allergy information, and emergency contacts should be stored with identification documents in a waterproof container. Because evacuation may require interstate or intrastate travel, owners must ensure all health certificates and tests are current.  UF/IFAS Extension Walton County can provide you two facts sheets with information regarding interstate and intrastate equine transport.

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Preparing Emergency and First Aid Kits

Emergency kits should include fire‑resistant halters and leads, fire extinguishers, water buckets, flashlights, batteries, radios, knives, wire cutters, disinfectants, towels, duct tape, and livestock markers.

First aid kits, ideally assembled with guidance from a veterinarian, typically include antiseptic solutions, antibiotic ointments, gauze, bandages, standing wraps, ichthammol, eye ointments, hoof tools, and essential prescription medications such as sedatives, antibiotics, Bute or Banamine.  A three‑ to five‑day supply of emergency medications is recommended as refill and veterinary pharmacy deliveries may be delayed.

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Transportation Readiness

Horse owners are urged to keep trailers and towing vehicles in reliable condition. Tires, floors, brakes, and hitches should be inspected regularly, and fuel tanks should remain at least half full during hurricane season. Those without trailers should arrange backup transportation with trusted contacts well in advance.

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Training Horses for Loading

Perhaps one of the most overlooked components of disaster planning is trailer‑loading practice. Horses that refuse to load may be impossible to evacuate during an emergency. Consider conducting loading drills at least three times per year to ensure animals remain calm and cooperative under stress.

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Developing a Strategy of Action

As hurricane season intensifies across the Florida Panhandle, emergency managers are urging horse owners to finalize evacuation strategies, document emergency procedures, and strengthen communication networks before the next major storm threatens the region.

Equine evacuations often require more time, coordination, and resources than standard household evacuations. Identifying safe destinations, preparing multiple exit routes, and ensuring horses can be moved quickly are now considered essential components of responsible farm management.

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Evacuation Sites and Exit Routes

Emergency managers emphasize that evacuation sites must be selected and confirmed well before a storm approaches. Suitable locations may include neighboring farms, county fairgrounds, state expo centers, or community‑designated shelters. Because space for horses can be limited during large‑scale events, owners are encouraged to identify several backup options.

Road closures are common during hurricanes and flooding, making route planning critical. Officials recommend mapping multiple exit paths from the property to ensure horses can be transported safely even if primary roads become impassable.

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Documenting the Emergency Plan

A comprehensive emergency plan should include a detailed map of the farm, clearly marking electrical boxes, water shut‑off valves, and key access points. Printed copies should be placed in multiple visible locations around the property, and all staff or family members should know where to find them.

Digital backups stored in a cloud‑based system allow multiple people to access the plan remotely if physical documents are lost or damaged. Plans should also include full contact lists, a communication tree, and designated primary and secondary points of contact responsible for decision‑making during a crisis.

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Local Emergency Management and Alert Systems

Emergency planners strongly encourage horse owners to establish relationships with local and state emergency management agencies before a disaster occurs. These partnerships can streamline communication, improve access to resources, and help owners understand evacuation protocols specific to their county.

Because storms often disrupt communication networks, residents are advised to enroll in multiple alert systems — including text, email, radio, and weather‑specific apps — to ensure they receive warnings even if one device fails.

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Sheltering in Place vs. Evacuating

When evacuation is necessary, experts stress that horses should be moved early, before winds strengthen or roads close. Waiting too long can make transport dangerous or impossible.

For horses sheltering in place, owners should prepare 48 to 72 hours of hay and water in case access to the property becomes restricted. Automatic waterers should not be relied upon, as power outages are likely. Turning off circuit breakers can help prevent electrical fires caused by power surges.

Human safety remains the top priority. Anyone staying on the property during a storm must monitor barn structures, debris hazards, fencing, and downed power lines throughout the event.

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Disaster Recovery

Once conditions are safe, owners should inspect barns, fences, pastures, and power lines for damage or hazardous debris. Horses should be evaluated for signs of stress, injury, or illness.

If a horse dies or must be euthanized, owners must follow state and county disposal regulations. Any unfamiliar animals found on the property should be isolated to prevent disease transmission. Local animal control, emergency management, or veterinarians can assist with reunification.

Insurance will play a major role in long‑term recovery and policies should be reviewed annually and kept in a safe location. Owners are encouraged to photograph all damage, injuries, and losses, and keep receipts for any disaster‑related expenses.

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USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund

In support of equine owners nationwide, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equine Disaster Relief Fund has surpassed $1 million in donations since its creation following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. The fund provides emergency assistance to horses of any breed affected by hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, blizzards, fires, and other disasters. All contributions are held in a dedicated account and distributed only with CEO authorization, ensuring timely and targeted relief for horses and their caretakers. More information can be found at https://www.usef.org/donate.

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References:

The United States Equestrian Federation.  “Disaster Preparedness:  Why is planning important?” 

UC Davis Center for Equine Health.  “Equine Emergency Preparedness-Develop Your Individual Disaster Plan”