Equine veterinarians can help their clients prepare for natural disasters by educating them on the essentials to keep in their evacuation kit. Here is a comprehensive checklist from the AVMA.
Food and Medicine
- 7-10 days’ worth of food
- 7-10 days’ supply of water (if possible)
- Two-week supply of supplements or medications (these items must be rotated and replaced to ensure they don’t expire)
Animal Care Supplies
- Bandanas/blindfolds (if necessary)
- Blankets
- Fly spray
- Grooming/hoof care materials
- Leg wraps
- Portable livestock panels
- Retraints (halters, lariats, leads, ropes, etc.)
- Water buckets
General Supplies
- Batteries
- Cloth towels
- Duct tape
- Flashlight
- Knife
- Paper towels
- Radio
- Shovel
- Tarps
- Thick gloves
- Trash bags
- Trash cans (with lids)
- Wire cutters
First Aid Kit
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandage tape and scissors
- Cotton bandage rolls
- Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
- Latex gloves
- Saline solution
- Towel and washcloth
- Tweezers
Important Documents
- Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership
- Medication instructions and pharmacy information
- Emergency contact cards, including veterinarian and pharmacy
- Maps of the local area and evacuation routes
You can download this checklist as a PDF to hand out to clients here.
Related Reading
- Impacts of Wildfire Smoke Exposure on Horses’ Lower Airways
- Wildfire Smoke Guidelines for Horses
- Disease Du Jour: Equine Disasters
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