Published November, 2014

Roberta Dwyer, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVPM, professor in the University of Kentucky (UK) Department of Veterinary Science, recently spoke at a UK Equine Forum meeting and discussed horse farm disaster preparedness.

The primary point in Dwyer’s presentation was that human health and safety come first. Although she focused on natural and accidental disasters, she emphasized that it is important to have a plan for every type of disaster.

Plans should account for the unusual and unexpected, including loss of communications, loss of electricity, lack of personnel, and transportation limitations due to blocked roads. First start with a personal disaster plan, then create family, farm, communications, and evacuations plans. Situations to plan for include having no electricity, no movement on or off the farm, and no communication for seven or more days. “The loss of electricity can also mean no water supply for farms dependent upon well water, as well as frozen pipes in winter,” said Dwyer. Also consider what would happen if there was a 24-hour notice of evacuation or downed fencing and loose animals.

Dwyer said owners often debate whether they should leave horses in or out during different types of storms (high winds, tornadoes, flooding, etc.). While there is no straight answer, the barn structure, age, location, and available pastures should be taken into consideration, and educated decisions should be made before weather strikes. “Every home and barn should have an NOAA weather radio for advanced warning of dangerous weather conditions” Dwyer recommended.

Dwyer explained the types of disasters, how they are declared, and what resources are available at each level. The county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordinates locally declared disasters, and the state EOC coordinates governor-declared disasters with state resources made available. The governor can also request federal disaster declaration from the president, which makes federal resources available. There are numerous emergency support functions ranging from firefighting to long-term community recovery.

Dwyer is also a lead instructor for the nationally funded and recognized Extension Disaster Education Network “Strengthening Community Agrosecurity Preparedness” program, a two-day workshop.

Hannah Forte is a communication intern with the UK Ag Equine Programs and Gluck Equine Research Center and undergraduate student majoring in community and leadership development at UK.