The Lessons of Hurricane Andrew

The leading causes of death in large animals were:
1. Collapsed barns - owners thought their animals were safer inside.
2.  Kidney failure due to dehydration - wandering animals were deprived of food and water for days.
3. Electrocution - horses seek the lowest areas; in many cases this was a drainage ditch.  Power lines over drainage ditches were blown down during the  storm.
4. Fencing failure - wandering animals, unharmed  during the storm were entangled in barbed wire or hit and killed on the roadways after the storm.

Debris caused the most severe injuries . . . . . .
1.  Barbed wire entanglement and collapsing barns caused injuries resulting in euthanasia for many
horses.
2. Infection was common in many lacerations and puncture wounds, as prompt wound treatment
was impossible.
3. Don't keep your animals in the barn to prevent debris injury.  Debris injuries were severe, but in  many cases treatable.  If your barn collapses -and  there is no way to insure that it won't - large  animals have no chance to save themselves and are  likely to panic if  they can't follow their instincts.

Lessons Learned?

From the Final Report of the Dade County Grand Jury, Spring Term, filed December 14, 1992:

"A major failing of all Floridians has been our apparent inability to learn and retain the important lessons previous hurricanes should have taught us. Andrew's most obvious lesson was that we were not prepared for this hurricane, neither as individuals nor as a community. This mistake must not reoccur".

Develop a Specific Disaster Plan for Your Country Property

Develop a Written Plan . . . . .
START WITH THE FARTHEST POINT OF YOUR PROPERTY AND MOVE IN TOWARD THE HOUSE, listing all the things that need to be done.  When you write your plan, consider the following guidelines:

• Install a hand pump on your well NOW.  You will never make a better investment.
• As you landscape your property, use native plants. Nature has evolved these species to weather hurricanes.  They will be much less likely to uproot and become debris.
• THINK DEBRIS!  Store and secure everything you can.  Turn over and tie down picnic table or any thing else to big to store.
• Get mobile home tie downs to secure vehicles and trailers - in the middle of the largest open area away from trees and buildings.
• Your Family Disaster Supply Kit should include: flashlight, battery operated radio, extra batteries,  fire  extinguishers, chlorine bleach, blankets, clothing, ready to eat food, first aid supplies, water,  prescription medicines, eyeglasses and cash.
• Have on hand a box packed with halters, leads, duct tape, tarps and plastic, fly spray and animal medical supplies including bandages and medicines. Store in water proof container and secure
• Provide the safest storage possible for: several hurricane lamps, lamp oil or kerosene, matches,
  gasoline, chain saw, ladder, act, shovel, pry  bar, come along, metal cable, block and tackle,  wire cutters, tool box and camping gear. ( Don't Bring  Flammable materials into the  house.)
• Keep 2 liter soda bottles filled with water in the freezer. They can be thawed in the refrigerator when electricity fails to help keep the  refrigerator  cold. They can be used as a  source of water as they thaw.
• Well water will not become contaminated unless your well is submerged by flood waters. City water becomes contaminated because purification systems fail. To purify water, add 2 drops of chlorine bleach per quart and let stand for half hour.
• Fill any large vessels ( row boats, canoes, feed troughs, dumpsters, etc. ) with water. This  may  help to prevent them from becoming debris and  provides a source of water for animals  after the storm.  Pool water and collected water should be kept chlorinated for human and  animal consumption.
• Shut off main electrical breakers and close gas and  water valves. Unplug appliances and turn off air conditioning.
• Chain your propane tank to the ground with tie down stacks and label it "propane".  Label
  any hazardous material containers on your  property.
• A two week supply of animal feed and medications should be brought in to the house and
  stored in water proof containers
• Photograph or video property and animals, and take film/tape with you if you must evacuate.
• Zip lock bags make good waterproof storage for photographs, important papers, etc.

DON'T GO OUT DURING THE STORM !!

If you are dead or injured, you can't help your animals.

THE SAFEST PLACE FOR LARGE ANIMALS TO WEATHER A STORM IS IN
A LARGE PASTURE.

It should meet as many of the following guidelines as possible:

• It should be free of exotic trees


• It should have no overhead power lines


• It should be well away from areas that might generate wind driven debris.


• It should have both low areas that animals can  shelter in during the storm (preferable a pond), and higher areas that will not be flooded after  the storm.


• It should have woven wire fencing.

• The clear winner is woven wire. It acts like a volleyball net; in some cases falling trees don't even break it down.  It helps stop debris.  It doesn't pull apart in high winds.  Animals are less likely to get caught or tangled in it.


• Board fencing blows down and becomes debris.  If you use it, back it with woven wire.


• Avoid using barbed wire.  It cuts horses to ribbons and is easily torn down by flying debris.


• Lay out your fence lines to keep animals away from power lines.


• Each year in May, replace rotten fence posts and make fencing repairs so your fences are as strong as possible for the start of Hurricane Season on June 1.

When any Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico store is named, all Floridians should take it seriously, watch it closely and begin implementation of their pre-written Disaster PLANS..  Review and update your Disaster Plan with your family on a regular basis.

More information . . . . .
If you would like more information, please contact:

The Sunshine State Horse Council, Inc.
PO Box  6663
Brandon Fl. 33508-6011

Email

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