Missy's Hope Equine Rescue Resource

Emergency Help Information

 FYI.   Please forward widely. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Kinship Circle [mailto:kinshipcircle@accessus.net]
Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2008 5:10 PM
To: 14. KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK [Dual-List KC Members]
Subject: IOWA FLOOD: Emergency Volunteers Needed
Importance: High

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
Communicating during disasters to mobilize volunteers, supplies, and other
resources for animal victims. http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters
RELIEF GLOBAL
6/15/08: IOWA FLOOD: Emergency Volunteers Needed
KINSHIP CIRCLE is working with Iowa Dept. of Agriculture Veterinary Response
Coordinator, Mark Shearer, and Iowa State Veterinarian David Schmitt. We
have been asked to coordinate out-of-state volunteers at key counties where
flooding has occurred or is anticipated. Anyone willing to deploy must be
flexible and realize we have no control over how floods proceed.
TO VOLUNTEER:
1. RESPOND TO: kinshipcircle@accessus.net  -OR-  
pawsitivedirections@yahoo.com (DO NOT SEND YOUR INFO TO BOTH)  

YOUR NAME:

PHONE NUMBER (cell you’ll have with you):

FULL PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

BRIEF, COUPLE SENTENCES RE: YOUR ANIMAL DISASTER AID EXPERIENCE:

DATES YOU CAN BE IN IOWA NEXT WEEK:
2. YOU MUST CONTACT ON-GROUND ORGANIZER IN IOWA, LISTED BELOW, BEFORE SHOWING UP.

DO NOT CONTACT THEM UNTIL YOUR ARRIVAL DATE IS FIRM

They can answer questions about specific driving directions to staging area.
3. PRINT OUT ALL CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS IN THIS EMAIL.

Have them with you in Iowa and be prepared to “float” from site to site.

They are fairly close-by and emergencies are expected.

‘This is our version of Katrina,’ Iowa residents say. Cedar Rapids:
Firefighter Jeremy Wagner saves a cat from a flooded attic on 6/13/08.
http://www.newser.com/article/D91A1F880.html

At least 24,000 evacuations so far

83 of Iowa’s 99 counties are declared disaster zones
1. VOLUNTEER NOW: Johnson County Fairgrounds
CONTACT MISHA GOODMAN when your travel plans are firm: 319-621-3274
   --  Staging area for evacuated Iowa City Shelter animals + flood rescues/drop-offs
    --  Could need volunteers up to 3 WEEKS from today (6/14), depending upon floods.
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
   Johnson County Fairgrounds; 4265 Oakcrest Hill Road; Iowa City, Iowa 52246
VOLUNTEERS:
   --  Indoor area to sleep + cooking facility at Johnson County Fairgrounds.
    --  Recommended bring sleeping bags or pads (they might get cots).
    --  Can bring a tent, but not mandatory.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS FROM CEDAR RAPIDS AIRPORT:
   CONTACT MISHA GOODMAN to find alternate routes to road closures: 319-621-3274
    COMING FROM NORTH
    From CR airport, get on Hwy 380 south
    380 just south of I-80 turns into Hwy 218
    Exit on Riverside Drive (rt) and will be traveling north
    Johnson County Fairgrounds is 1/4 mile on left side of road
    COMING FROM WEST
    Take I-80 to Hwy 218
    Exit on Riverside Drive (rt) and will be traveling north
    Johnson County Fairgrounds is 1/4 mile on left side of road
    COMING FROM EAST
    I-80 between Iowa City and Tipton is washed over
VOLUNTEERS WHO CAN BE IN IOWA WEEK OF JUNE 16:
   CONTACT MISHA GOODMAN + REPORT TO FAIRGROUNDS: 319-621-3274

Cedar Rapids, Iowa: A rescue worker brings a dog to dry land after rescuing
him and his owner from their home 6/12/08. Getty Images
SUPPLY NEEDS AT THIS TIME:
   Large, collapsible dog crates * Large wire dog crates
    Small cat litter pans * Cat toys
    Vaccine (dog and cat)
    Ceramic bowls (prefer large rodent food bowls for cat food/water)
    C/D cat food * I/D dog food
    Leather gloves * Shampoo
SEND SUPPLIES TO:
   DROP-OFF: Johnson County 4-H Fairgrounds, BARN #1
    Contact Misha Goodman, if you intend to deliver supplies: 319-621-3274
    MAIL: Johnson County Agricultural Association
    4261 Oak Crest Hill Road SE; Iowa City, IA 52246
    MARK PACKAGE: Iowa City Animal Shelter, Misha Goodman
SEND MONETARY DONATIONS TO:
   DONATE ONLINE OR BY MAIL:
    http://www.facf.org/support/
    Friends of the Animal Center Foundation
    (Support group for Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center)
    PO Box 1345; Iowa City, Iowa 52244
    ph: 319-887-6083; email: info@facf.org 
2. VOUNTEER: Washington, Iowa Staging Area
GROUND CONTACT IS AMBER TALBOTT: 319-461-9708, 319-653-6713
   --  DO NOT CONTACT HER YET. Bring her phone numbers with you to Iowa.
   --  She is setting up a staging area at WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
    --  ANTICIPATED: Overflow of animals from Columbus Junction (18 miles east
        of Washington), where a levee broke.
    --  ANTICIPATED: Animals from Oakville (44 miles east of Washington) and Fredonia.
    --  Columbus Junction, Oakville and Fredonia have been evacuated. Latter two
        towns are only accessible by boat and under National Guard protection. We
        have conflicting reports that evacuees were ordered to release animals.
WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS IS 30 MILES SOUTH OF IOWA CITY (#1 in this alert):
   --  Be prepared to MOVE from staging area in Johnson County to Washington County Fairgrounds.
    --  Have a working cell phone with you.
PHYSICAL ADDRESS FOR VOLUNTEERS WHEN/IF STAGING AREA IS OFFICIAL:
   PAWS & More Animal Shelter
    1004 1/2 West Madison Street; Washington, Iowa 52353
    DRIVING DIRECTIONS: http://www.pawsandmore.petfinder.com
VOLUNTEERS WHO CAN BE IN IOWA WEEK OF JUNE 16:
   --  CONTACT MISHA GOODMAN + REPORT TO JOHNSON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: 319-621-3274
    --  BE ON STANDBY TO MOVE TO WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS:
        AMBER TALBOTT, 319-461-9708

Brandon Smith carries his cats Fry and Bender to dry land from their flooded
home 6/11/08. Getty Images. Evacuations ordered in Columbus Junction,
Fredonia: http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/19944364.html
3. VOLUNTEER: Lee County Fairgrounds
PRE-STAGING AREA IN DONNELLSON, IOWA – WHERE RIVER IS EXPECTED TO CREST
   --  THIS STAGING AREA IS NOT YET SET-UP. Iowa Ag Dept. officials are
        assessing flood course and ANTICIPATE heavy flooding here.
   --  Donnelson, Iowa is on the southern border, near Missouri.
   --  IF ALREADY IN IOWA, you may check about needs at this potential staging area
        by contacting Rich Crook: 435-689-1162
   --  Please DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT call Rich on the ground unless you are
        already in Iowa on standby to move to these expected emergency zones.
PHYSICAL ADDRESS FOR POTENIAL LEE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS STAGING AREA:
   Hwy. 218, Lee County Fairgrounds
    (North edge of Donnellson, Iowa, on Highway 218)
    City: Fort Madison, Iowa
    http://www.leecountyfairiowa.com
4. Possible Volunteers Needed Week Of June 23
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE, EQUINE CENTER
   --  Overflow staging area for CEDAR RAPIDS ANIMAL CONTROL
    --  UAN/EARS and HSUS are already here. DO NOT NEED VOLUNTEERS WEEK OF 6/17.
    **  May need volunteers following WEEK OF JUNE 23. **
    --  I am in touch with head coordinator there and will keep you posted.
PHYSICAL ADDRESS + ADDRESS FOR MONETARY DONATIONS:
   Kirkwood Foundation
    C/O Friends Of Cedar Rapids Shelters
    6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW; Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406
    http://www.iowaequestrian.com/directions
    From I-380, take Exit 13 and go East to Kirkwood Blvd. Then turn left and go
    North until 76th Ave. and turn right.
5. NEWS: Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter Evacuated

Iowa: Rising Floodwaters Threaten Animals

Maria Steele fights back tears after she and her cats Ching and Sushi were
rescued from their flooded home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa...
http://www.kool108.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=104668&article=3813699
IOWA CITY ANIMAL SHELTER MOVED TO FAIRGROUNDS
   http://www.icanimalcenter.org/
    IOWA CITY - Due to rising floodwaters, all Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption
    Center services have been relocated to emergency housing at the Johnson
    County Fairgrounds. The shelter at 111 Kirkwood Ave. is closed.
    http://www.icanimalcenter.org/ -- Please check back here frequently
    for updates or before going to the fairgrounds.
    Pets of owners displaced by the flood can be taken to the fairgrounds, but
    if any other housing options are available, this is advised before bringing
    pets to fairgrounds. Phone service for The Center is temporarily
    unavailable, but soon will be transferred so that 319-356-5295 can be used.
SUPPLY NEEDS AT THIS TIME:
   -   Large, collapsible dog crates
    -   Large wire dog crates
SEND SUPPLIES TO:
   DROP-OFF: Johnson County 4-H Fairgrounds, BARN #1
    *If coming from Hwy 80:
    -   take 218 South (on the West Side of Iowa City)
    -   get off on "Exit 89--Fairgrounds"
    -   1/4 mile on left hand side
    *If coming North:
    -   take 218 North
    -   get off on "Exit 89--Airport"
    -   1/4 mile on left hand side
    MAIL: Johnson County Agricultural Association
    4261 Oak Crest Hill Road SE; Iowa City, IA 52246
    Office: 319-337-5865
    MARK PACKAGE FOR: Iowa City Animal Shelter
SEND MONETARY DONATIONS TO:
   DONATE ONLINE OR BY MAIL:
    http://www.facf.org/support/
    Friends of the Animal Center Foundation
    (Support group for Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center)
    PO Box 1345; Iowa City, Iowa 52244
    ph: 319-887-6083; email: info@facf.org

More Refuge & Support Needs For Animal Victims

Brandon Smith carries his two cats, Fry and Bender, to dry land from their
flooded home, 6/12/08, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Much of the city was evacuated
as the Cedar River continued to rise to record levels. More rain is
predicted over the next few days. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25020185
REQUEST FOR ANIMAL KENNELS - CEDAR RAPIDS ANIMAL SHELTER
   http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/NEWS/795138434/-1/rss01&rssfeed=rss01
    Staff evacuated 120 animals from the Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter due to the
    flooding, Sgt. Christy Hamblin said. Animals were taken to Kirkwood
    Community College Veterinary Clinic.
    Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter is asking the public to bring any animal kennels
    to Kirkwood Vet Tech Center. They don't have enough space for their cats.
    FOR INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE TO DROP-OFF OR SHIP ANIMAL KENNELS:
   Call Terry Anderson, 319-360-3813
   http://www.kcrg.com/floodwatch/howtohelp/19786734.html
EMERGENCY HOUSING FOR: LINN COUNTY SHELTER - COMPANION ANIMALS
   http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/19821044.html
    Kirkwood Equine Center, ph: 319-398-7107
    6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW; Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406
    http://www.iowaequestrian.com/directions
    From I-380, take Exit 13 and go East to Kirkwood Blvd. Then turn left and go
    North until 76th Ave. and turn right.
EMERGENCY HOUSING FOR: CEDAR VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY - COMPANION ANIMALS
   No longer accepting animals.

Iowa Floods: Mandatory Evacuations Expand

Charlie Lough herded his cattle onto the porch of his farm house 6/11/08
before he fled to safety from rising waters of the Cedar River, north of
Vinton, Iowa. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25020185
'Uncharted territory' as city floods in Iowa
FULL STORY: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25020185
Levee breaks near city, thousands evacuate. Cedar Rapids also loses power;
55 of Iowa's 99 counties are disaster areas.
Mandatory Evacuation Area Expanded in Cedar Rapids
FULL STORY: http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/19778169.html
CEDAR RAPIDS - The mandatory evacuation area within Cedar Rapids has been
expanded to an area matching the 500 year flood plain map... City of Cedar
Rapids personnel will alert residents and businesses in the area using the
Code Red reverse 911 system, media announcements and going door-to-door...
MORE INFORMATION:
Thousands Flee As Waters Rise In Iowa
   http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/12/national/main4175838.shtml
Levee Breach Prompts Evacuation in Cedar Rapids Neighborhood
   http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/19808239.html
U.S. Midwest Battles Flood Waters
   http://en.epochtimes.com/news/8-6-11/71738.html

6. NEWS: Indiana Flood Dogs “Pour” Into Wisconsin

Indiana flood survivors arrive at Wisconsin Humane Society for baths, kisses and comfort.
WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY - DOGS FROM FLOODED AREAS IN INDIANA:
    http://www.wihumane.org/news/default.aspx
    Forty canine flood victims arrived this week at the Wisconsin Humane Society
    from areas in Indiana. Due to heavy storms, Indiana shelters have been
    inundated with victims displaced by the flooding. Some shelters are
    surrounded by flooded streets that have become impassable, as well.
ADOPTIONS:
   Like all the dogs at WHS, the puppies will be vaccinated, microchipped and
    sterilized... As soon as they are ready, they will be featured on our
    adoptable dogs web page: http://www.wihumane.org/animals/dogs.aspx
7. NEWS: Indiana/Help Morgan County Humane
UPDATE - 6/14/08, INDIANA FLOODS:
    http://www.mchumanesoc.org/
    Monetary donations are needed for veterinary costs, medication, and grooming
    of animals that are displaced due to Indiana flooding.
DONATE TO MORGAN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY:
   ONLINE: http://www.mchumanesoc.org
    BY MAIL: Morgan County Humane Society
    690 West Mitchell Ave.; Martinsville, IN  46151

Indiana:

Report From Pasado’s Safe Haven

Abel Ortiz, holding his dog "Chiquito," wades out of his truck at his home
In Oak Creek, Wis., 6/9/08. Floodwaters threatened dams along the Wisconsin
River following heavy rain. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25020185
MIDWEST FLOODS – MORE RAIN TO COME?
   EDITED FOR LENGTH. READ FULL:
   http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/HOMEPAGE/6_6_8WEBSITE/Midwest_Floods.htm
    The death toll has risen to 22, and more flooding may be on the way as
    rivers overflow and reservoirs reach their limits. Severe storms have
    already crippled parts of the Midwest... We’ll continue to follow Midwest
    floods and provide updates as needed.    
“RESCUE WAGGIN” HELPS INDIANA SHELTER WITH INFLUX OF FLOOD VICTIMS:
    Local animal rescue groups have deployed to affected areas to save pets left
    behind in evacuated homes. PetSmart Rescue Waggin made an emergency stop to
    transfer Indiana shelter animals to make room for pets displaced by floods.
    "Because pets suddenly orphaned from the rains could belong to someone in
    the community, it's imperative they stay in the community," says Della
    Maddalena of the Morgan County Humane Society. "By arranging for the Rescue
    Waggin' to pick up and transfer dogs already at the shelter, we're helping
    make space at Morgan County Humane Society for the influx of pets left
    homeless from [Indiana] flooding."
    DONATE TO MORGAN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY / INDIANA FLOODS:
   ONLINE (click DONATE at page bottom): http://www.mchumanesoc.org/
    BY MAIL: Morgan County Humane Society, ph: 765-349-9177
    690 West Mitchell Ave.; Martinsville, IN   46151
    DONATE TO PETSMART CHARITIES/RESCUE WAGGIN:
   http://www.petsmartcharities.org/donate/rescue-waggin.php
SIGN-UP FOR PASADO’S ANIMAL RESCUE TEAM:
   Help Pasado's be prepared for local disasters. Sign up for rescue team:
    http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/HOMEPAGE/6_6_8WEBSITE/LetterFormRESCUE.htm

Indiana Flood Report: No Outside Help For Now

A fawn struggles against the fast-flowing White River as the animal tries to
walk along a levee, 6/9/08 in Edwardsport, Ind. The fawn was swept off the
levee but managed to swim to a bank and make [his/her] way from the water.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25020185
KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK - NOTES:
   http://www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/KCDisasterAidNetwork.pdf
    6/12/08: Since floods ravaged parts of Indiana (6/7/08), with hundreds of
    residents evacuated, KC Animal Disaster Aid Network has spoken with Indiana
    shelters/rescues to assess animal needs:
    Terre Haute Humane Society:
    Not many calls for help from residents. Only one citizen south of shelter
    reports strays "everywhere.” A local boarding kennel has advertised housing
    for animals of people without resources. THHS has agreed to vaccinate the
    animals for them. Water is receding in Terre Haute...
    Owen County Humane Society: Reports they are fine. Had to boat in to the
    shelter, but the shelter did not get any water in it.
    Johnson County Animal Shelter: They seem to be the worst hit county. No
    response to inquiries yet...
    Diann Wellman, EARS North Central Region Regional Director / Indiana,
    Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin: EARS
    is not deploying at this time, having received similar information as KC
    that outside resources are not currently needed.
    Former Katrina rescuer and Indiana resident Cris Stevens (also a fireman)
    has sought information for us from Emergency Management teams in Indiana.
    So far no Indiana flood contacts have requested assistance, or their needs
    were met locally. If Indiana situation changes, we’ll provide updates.

Horses walk through a flooded field in Racine, Wis., just west of the Root
River, on 6/8/08 after heavy rains. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25020185
HSUS DISASTER ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM - FIELD NOTES:
   http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/disasters_press_room/fieldnotes.html
    6/11/08: The HSUS animal rescue team deployed to Morgan County, Ind., in
    response to a request for assistance in the aftermath of severe flooding in
    the region. Upon their arrival, the team coordinated with local officials to
    assess the situation and address any pressing animal needs.
    Morgan County Humane Society was housing approximately 55 dogs who were
    rescued after the floods. The HSUS team provided them with logistical
    support, much-needed pet food and other sheltering supplies.
    The team was also contacted by the local sheriff's department to assist with
    animal rescue. With word from the Morgan County Humane Society that no
    further outside help was needed, The HSUS team returned to headquarters. The
    rescued dogs will be held at the Morgan County Humane Society until they are
    reunited with their guardians or adopted.

Fwd: Horse Lovers- Hurricane season starts June 1st ARE YOU READY

Although this (see below) was written for Florida horse owners, anyone in a hurricane-prone state needs to read this and think about it and make some sort of plan.

Suggestion for Rescues:  

Line up a safe place to evacuate to now (and it would be good to line up some alternatives just in case).  For Florida, Georgia is a good plan (think race tracks, other places with concrete barns, etc.).  South Carolina & North Carolina have some first-class equestrian facilities which offered "shelter from the storm" also.  South Carolina's big horse center is Aiken, North Carolina has a big center near Tryon (just over the SC border in the start of the mountains, a couple of hours south of Asheville)

Line up volunteers with trucks & trailers who are horse-saavy about handling rescued horses to assist with a transport convoy.  Set aside feed & hay & water in large containers to be loaded along with the horses, as most evacuation places require you to bring your own hay & feed.

Take the DART (Disaster Animal Rescue Team) course to learn what you need to know about handling disaster scene rescues.  I think the HSUS runs it but ASPCA will know about it.  Find out when they will be offering classes in your area, or offer to host such a class for local horse owners to attend (could be a good way to find new volunteers, new donors, and new adoptive homes).

In Florida, we have the Sunshine State Horse Council ( http://www.SSHC.org ) whose website has a listing of "hurricane sanctuaries" usually located in the center part of the state, and they may have contact info for other sanctuaries in nearby states.  Some of these "sanctuaries" are just private horse owners who offer free pasture space and even offer you a place to stay on-site to help you stay with your animals; some even offer to help you care for your animals.  The Ocala area seems to have a lot of such sanctuary offerers.  Check SSHC.org for more info (and consider joining the SSHC as a way to connect with other horse owners as well as support our state horse lobbying association which helps guide lawmakers in passing good laws and not passing bad laws which affect horse owners).

Other states have similar horse councils.  Go to the American Horse Council ( http://www.HorseCouncil.org ) to find out more about your local horse council, or try Googling it.  American Horse Council is our national horse industry lobbyist and we really need to support them also (joining at the lowest level is a good idea) so they can help protect us on the national level to help prevent bad laws and help promote good horse laws. 

If you decide to evacuate, do so at least 3 days before the storm is due to hit your area, to avoid getting caught in heavy traffic on the roads to avoid road colic situations (usually comes from sitting in heavy traffic for hours not moving).

By all means, read the following and think about it, and start now to learn what you need to know.  Contact your local County Extension Agent or Humane Society to find out if there is someone who can come to your place and do a seminar on helping other horse owners and horse lovers learn the answers to these vitally important questions and what to do in the event of each scenario.

And don't count on being in the middle of the state protecting you from hurricanes - as we saw in 2004, more hurricanes are now crossing inland in areas they don't normally hit (although they are somewhat weakened before they get here compared to coastal areas).  

The time to begin planning is NOW.

Hold some seminars on the topic of hurricane preparation and disaster response.  It is a great way to get more free publicity for your rescue, offer a good community service, and help attract new donors / volunteers / good adoptive homes / other help.

Susan

Micanopy, FL

(PS - I'm still not active on the lists so please don't respond to me on list and expect a response - I forgot my Yahoo password and haven't had time to contact Yahoo for help, so I'm not receiving emails and not able to access the group on-line).  The twin grandchildren are doing great, and so is my daughter - thanks for all the wonderful good wishes and prayers)

Begin forwarded message:

From: tysonah@

Date: May 18, 2008 7:00:41 AM EDT

Subject: Horse Lovers- Hurricane season starts June 1st ARE YOU READY 

 Calling all Horse Lovers- Hurricane season starts June 1st. Each year we try to get you to think about getting a hurricane plan for your animals.  No one expected Andrew or Katrina.  In Miami 600 horses died.  Most from impalements and fractures.  Due to the massive debris flying through the air, turning horses out can be fatal.  Most barns withstood the winds and losts their roofs.  If you can evacuate your horses prior to the storm that is the most ideal situation.  If you cannot evacuate, try to make a plan that will minimize your horse's chances of getting injured.
Debbie Hoffman has created some scenarios and I have added to them.

Can you address these  problems ?  Think about it...and "lets make a plan NOW for our horses"  Remember ...they count on us !! 

 POST DISASTER SCENARIOS 

SCENARIO #1:

A hurricane or tornado or even a bad storm with strong winds has come through your area and your barn has come apart or your fence has blown down due to a tree falling on it. Your horse(s) are no longer on your property.  How will anyone be able to return your horse to you when it is caught?.  Do you have an i.d. tag on your horse, braided into its mane or attached to its halter?  Most walmarts have i.d. machines and you can make a tag for $5.  Tractor Supply carries horse bands and cattle chalk - you can write your phone number on the band or on the horse. Does the Sheriff's department have your horse listed in the emergency livestock book?   you can fax your address, horse(s) sex, color, description, phone numbers, to the sheriff office for such  emergency purposes and it works great in Hernando County. 

#2

It is the aftermath of a hurricane and fences and barns were blown down...Horses are running loose and need to be collected and transported to safer areas.  A first responder comes upon a herd of horses...They seem to be running in a "Pack".  The first responder notes that the "leader of the pack" is aggressive.  That  horse is a Stallion who seems to be protecting the mares and fighting with the geldings.  How do you handle getting the stallion from the herd, in order to be able to approach and retrieve the loose horses without incident and injury ? 

SCENARIO #3: 

It is the aftermath of a tornado.  There is a horse barn that is close to a mobile home park which has been totally destroyed.   A first responder comes upon a horse that has a huge "open gash" on it's rear end.  A large portion of flesh on the horse is totally exposed".  Obviously the horse turned its "butt to the wind" as Mother Nature seemed to take over. 

The tin from the mobile home park that blew away became flying missiles that sliced the meat right off of the rear of the horse.  The horse has a halter on and is able to be caught. 

BUT how do you treat the open wound - it way too massive and it is in an area that cannot be bandaged ?  Do you have emergency medications and bandages on hand?

SCENARIO #4:

Responder finds a horse that has trampled thru lots of debris in a disaster plagued area.  The horse is limping on the front right to the point that it seems to be immobile and reluctant to place any weight on that foot.  The responder lifts up the foot and finds that the horse and stepped on a rusty nail.  What do you do ?

SCENARIO #5: 

Some type of flu or virus is running rampant thru the community that attacks large animals.  The first signs are that the horse is down and thrashing and seems to be turning its head towards it stomach...It must be contagious as most large barns seem to be affected.

The second sign that is noticed is that the horse is not drinking or eating.  Nor are they passing manure or urine.  All vets are treating other area barns...what do you do to make it until a vet can arrive ? 

Please make a plan now.  Check with Georgia for their evacuation sites, most race tracks will let you in for free during hurricanes.  They usually have strong cement stalls.  But you must plan to leave a day before the storm hits.

Is your trailer ready?   How are the bearings, tires, spares?  Get your trailer and truck  in working order now.  Map out where you will go and have the information in a folder in your truck.  Have copies of your horses identification papers in your trailer also  

Missouri Emergency Response Service

Website:  www.mersteam.org 

Email:  vnbigbear@aol.com 

Phone: 314-973-4921

Address:  4420 Allenton Road

Wildwood, MO 63069