Given the events unfolding throughout California and the many horses residing within the state, the risk to horses from the extraordinary fire activity is significant. There has been a massive expansion of awareness of the need to evacuate early with animals including horses, public service announcements, and numerous web sites with resources providing specific guidance on how to prepare ahead of time and how to evacuate safely. Yet, as we all know now, fire behavior has changed significantly due to many factors and challenged our most experienced and professional fire response entities to rethink their approaches based on the new normal of rapidly spreading fire behavior.
The following is an attempt to aid the awareness of those faced with the dilemma of no ability to catch, load or lead horses from fires immediately adjacent or completely on top of a barn or field containing the horses…
Posted with permission from the author:
During any disaster; keeping animals; as well as people safe and healthy are always priorities
A good Disaster Action Plan goal is always to avoid emergency shelters as much as possible, and, during COVID, this is especially true The virus presents new and serious challenges for emergency managers, responders; and us. The need for advance planning is greater than everv and having multiple plans Will be stress-reducing, and possibly, life-saving.
Here are some ways you can plan to overcome challenges and keep your animals – and you – safe and healthy.
Horses are herd animals, if you just have one, why not adopt a pasture mate? Call Katie Moore at CHANGE** for a start (707) 570-7050 or visit SonomaChangeProgram.com or check into a host of other organizations rescuing horses who just need a good home.
** Coins to Help Abandoned and Neglected Equines, a 501 (c) non-profit horse rescue organization.
