Severe Weather Prep

Summer brings in all sorts of joys and fun, however it can bring some nasty storms as well.  Now is the time to make sure you have your barns and pastures prepped for any type of weather that might come your way.

Tornadoes:  During a strong wind event of any type (Hurricanes included) your animals are safer outside.  They have a natural instinct to turn away from the wind to keep wind and water out of their faces.  Being confined inside a barn can cause anxiety as well as injury/death in the event that your barn be blown down.

Lightning:  If you are experiencing a lightning storm your horses are safer inside the barn.  Lightning strikes the tallest object so if your horse is in the middle of a field they will be the target.  Keep them inside a barn away from the tallest point (if your barn is an "A" frame) and keep them out of standing water.  Also you can install a lightning rod and have a grounding system in place for your barn.

Drought:  You have plenty of time to prepare for a drought.  I suggest having a drought plan regardless of what the weatherman has said.  Here are some things to consider:

• Stockpile hay if possible. Identify backup sources for hay.
• Identify alternate water sources. This is especially important if you rely on surface water or a shallow well. A horse's water intake needs increase during hot, dry periods.
• Be alert to fire hazards. The risk of fire increases during a drought.
• Remove horses from pasture to maintain the health of the pasture and the horses.
• Look for poisonous plants. When feed is short, or horses are hungry, plants normally avoided become a tempting source of feed.

Flood:  On the coastline we are well aware of the dangers associated with flooding.  Flash flooding can occur during any significant rain event whether short lived or a few days long.  Have a plan in place and watch the weather to keep your horses (and other outside animals safe).

• Have an evacuation plan.
• Watch for down power lines.
• Have an electrical generator and supply of fuel ready on higher ground. A generator is a critical piece of equipment to have during a power outage.
• Scout for debris before returning horses to paddocks and pastures. Significant amounts of debris can be deposited in pastures and paddocks after a flood.
• Listen for reports of infectious disease outbreaks. Outbreaks of diseases such as anthrax or Potomac Horse Fever can occur among animals in some areas of the country, particularly during hot weather that immediately follows a flood.

Always be prepared for the worse and hope for the best!  Check out this link for more information on Barn Prepping:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/horse/care/barn-disaster-planning/#Severe_weather