A Little Emergency Advice...From Your Horse

Hi. I’m your horse. Just another member of the family, right? I get it. It’s fun to go for rides and all. Butour family lives on Vashon. So, think earthquakes, big wind, super cold temps,all that stuff. But maybe you haven’t been convinced about the need for emergency preparedness for me. Let’s consider the possibilities.

Lets put it this way. Don't bother preparing for emergencies if you are so clueless you think....

Preparedness Advice for your horse

Food

...Thriftway and IGA will never run out of food when the Island gets cut off. Seriously? Do you think they make cans of beans in the back room? All this stuff comes from off island. Stock up, at least 10 days of food. Not just for an earthquake but think big windstorm or three foot snow drifts blocking the roads. It’s happened right here on Vashon...more than once over the years.

Water

... You have one of those magic water wells. With magic water lines that never break. And a magic well pump that runs forever without electricity. Store some water for drinking and washing up. And learn how to treat water to make it safe. Or maybe you won’t mind drinking from the same mud puddles as raccoons and other critters. Tasty! And a recipe for getting very, very sick.

Plan

...You are really a superhero in disguise who can never unexpectedly fall ill, be injured in an accident or get stuck on the mainland when the earthquake hits. If not, make a plan with someone who knows your herd (and your farm dogs), covering how to take care of your animals if you are unable to get home or communicate their needs.

I.D.

...Your equine is Mr. Ed the talking horse and can tell people who he is, who he belongs to and your phone number and address. If not, in an emergency he could become separated from his herd and home and may need identification verification by microchip, brand, tatoo and/or photograph. Keep this information with your important papers. He should also have a halter handy with ID tags attached (luggage tags work great) with your contact information on them.

Trailer

...Your horses do a great dog impression and can’t wait for you to get the leash and go for a ride in the truck! If not, whether the emergency is an evacuation from a storm or fire or an unexpected veterinary clinic trip, teach your horses to be caught, lead and easily load into a trailer at any time of day, night or chaotic circumstance. Have a plan, train and practice for moving to an Island safe have or for an off Island trip.

Medical

...You had bought that Breyer model horse instead of the real animal. But a mare with a real mane and tail may also have real medical needs. Put together a couple of equine first aid kits, one for the barn and another for the horse trailer. In case your horse unexpectedly needs to be corralled or stalled in an unfamiliar situation, or evacuated, you will want copies of their vaccination records, any special health considerations and medication prescriptions ready to go with them. Special needs or medical information could also be included on that ID tag you have attached to their traveling halters.

AreYouready VIPP VIFR VBP

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