Md. Officials: Include Horses in Hurricane Plans

It is important to include horses and livestock in disaster preparedness plans.
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With Hurricane Sandy’s approach, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding owners that it is important to include horses and livestock in disaster preparedness plans.

Anyone in the agricultural community who needs assistance with livestock, including horses, should contact their local emergency operation center.

The MDA recommends the following for farmers and livestock owners to prepare for a hurricane:

  • Move all horses and livestock remaining at home to high ground.
  • If you evacuate and take your horses with you, take all vaccination and health records, your emergency kit and sufficient hay and water for a minimum 48 hour period. Call ahead to make sure that your emergency location is still available.
  • Cover and secure all water, food, and medical supplies for poultry and livestock.
  • Pump and collect adequate supplies of drinking water in case of electrical failures.
  • Top off all gasoline, propane, and other fuel tanks and check operations of all portable generators.
  • Remove or secure all loose objects that could be moved by high winds.
  • Board all glass windows and other similar items that could break from high winds or from objects being blown against them.
  • Ensure that all animal holding areas are as clean and sanitary as possible.
  • Have available portable radios, extra batteries, flashlights, and candles.
  • Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.

Notify MDA through the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) if any agricultural assistance is needed before, during, or after the storm, including injured animals in need of veterinary assistance or dead animals that require disposal

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