During and Following a Disaster:

The health and safety of those around the barn always come first. There is a poster in the main office with a list of contact numbers and procedures on which you should go by if you get warning or go through one of these disasters happen at NPS. Everyone staying at NPS should get themselves familiar to the procedures for and evacuation for any of the following reasons:

In the Event of a Fire:

Do not enter buildings that are already burning—smoke inhalation will slow you down and possibly kill you. Contact emergency personnel immediately. Report changes in wind direction, speed and fire behaviour. Post a look out for possible dangers. Have the trailer hitched and pointed toward the road. Leave barn doors unlocked and key’s in the ignition. Put halters on the horses and keep gates unlocked but secure. If the barn looks as if it will burn before the emergency personnel will arrive, release the horses to a safer location i.e. If possible a paddock away from the general direction of smoke and embers of the fire. If the barn is already on fire wait until the emergency personnel arrive to handle the situation. NEVER enter a building that is already burning.

If caught out in the open when the fire hits, seek areas with sparse vegetation or bare ground. Lie face down in a depression and cover yourself with anything that will protect yourself from the heat. Avoid trying to outrun the head of a fire, instead watch for slower burning flanks. Do not attempt to control the animals (dogs, horses, ect.) that are with you. Let them go free—they will have a better chance of escaping the fire.

In the Event of an Earthquake:

During the quake remember to Drop, Cover or Hold On. Once the tremors have stopped, take a good look around. Do not enter buildings that may have become unstable during the quake. The animals on the farm will be frightened and need reassurance. If an animal has become injured or trapped, call emergency personnel immediately. Be prepared for aftershocks.

In the Event of a Flood:

If you receive notice of rapidly rising water, move all animals, feed and water to higher ground. Escape routes may be cut off quickly so avoid leaving the horses standing in water or in areas that may be easily cut off by the flood.

If You Must Leave Horses Behind:

Post a highly visible sign (either on a window or a door) letting rescue workers know the breeds and quantity of horses which remain. Leave plenty of food and water in an adequate container that cannot be tipped over. Place extra food close to the horses so rescue workers may feed them daily. Do not tie horses or leave them confined in an area that may easily destroyed. Loose horses on roads or highways can be easily injured and interfere with emergency rescue vehicles, so the horses should be directed a safer area such as a pasture.

If Your Horse Becomes Lost:

Immediately call or visit the nearest animal shelter or emergency command post. When deemed safe, return to the neighbourhood surrounding the farm to post and distribute lost horse(s) posters, which include name, address, phone number and a picture of the horse(s) in question. Animals may stay hidden for weeks, so be patient and continue searching your area.

If You Find a Lost Animal:

If you should find a lost animal, please notify the local animal shelter as soon as possible and be prepared to give a full description of the animal. (i.e. colour, breed, sex, ect.) and it’s location. Remember that sick and/or injured animals can become unpredictable from stress of injury, and should be handled by a professional familiar with proper handling techniques.

Before Disaster Strikes:

Be Prepared!!!

• Reduce hazards.
• Maintain a firebreak around all buildings.
• Mow weeds and trim trees which reside close to any buildings.
• Regularly clean roofs and gutters.
• Repair exposed wires, rotten supports and blocked waterways.
• Post No Smoking signs.
• Clearly label all shut-offs.
• Store combustibles such as hay, straw, wood, shavings and/or gasoline away from animal barns.
• Remove overhanging trees that may fall on animals or buildings.
• Keep an Adequate water source.

Identify Your Horses

Keep your horses vaccinations and photo’s current, papers and other identifying documents in a safe and easily accessible location. Brand, freeze marking, tattoo or microchip horses for ID.

Prepared Disaster Kit: