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Equine Bushfire Survival

We can’t think of anyone better to ask for guidelines regarding equine bushfire survival than Jenna Kelley. AEL blogger Jenna was awarded the National Emergency Medal for her work in the 2009 Victorian fires known as 'Black Saturday' and is the founder of the Walking Forward Disaster Relief Team – here are her tips to prepare your property, your animals and yourself for bushfire season

 

Summer in Australia is changing – it’s hotter and lasting longer.  The bushfire risk has increased and it is YOUR responsibility to ensure you are prepared and leave early.  As a fire fighter that was assisting during Black Saturday and experienced people losing their lives and loves ones, I know how vital it is to have a plan in place and get out early.  I cannot stress this enough.

Fires are ferocious.  They are unpredictable and they can take the lives of people and animals in the blink of an eye.   Don’t let that be YOU.

While the risk of bushfires can be modified, it cannot be entirely prevented and strong, self-reliance of individuals and communities is required based on their own fire knowledge.

During fires, horses tend to still respect fencing whether it is intact or not.  Horses exposed to a fire front tend to stand in a huddle, closer than usual with heads down and rumps to the fire.  This compliments the evidence that horses suffer the worst injuries around the rump, between the legs, hooves and faces and highlights their ability to act on their own natural instincts to survive. 

Unfortunately, burnt eyes, nostrils, muzzles and hooves warrant euthanasia for many horses, the burning of the coronet band can cause severe laminitis and in many cases the coronet band can split and shear off, smoke inhalation can cause respiratory problems and immediate veterinary treatment can also be hampered by roads being blocked or closed by authorities.  Something for you all to think about.

As horse owners, we need to be ready.  We need to know when we are going to leave and we need to know our trigger/s for activating our plans.

 

So what are some things you need to consider as an equine owner?

Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) - Do you know your District?  Do you UNDERSTAND what the FDRs mean?  Did you know FRDs can be different in each state?   If you have visitors from overseas, do they know what they mean?  Which FDR is YOUR trigger to leave?

Here are the links for each state:

Victoria: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/about-fire-danger-ratings/

NSW: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/fire-danger-ratings

Western Australia: http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/fire/bushfire/pages/firedangerratings.aspx

Queensland:https://ruralfire.qld.gov.au/FDR.asp

ACT:www.esa.act.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/fire-danger-ratings.pdf

Tasmania:http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/Show?pageId=colFireDangerRatings

Northern Territory:http://www.lrm.nt.gov.au/bushfires/fire_danger_ratings#.VJIK3yec_Bg

 

Planning

Once you know and understand your FDR, you need to develop a fire plan.

 

Stay or Go?

Ensure you have an emergency pack prepared and in the float or car.  Ensure this has sufficient first aid items for both humans and horses and include:

  • Torch (yes you will need it, particularly if you’re caught in a fire – it gets smoky and very dark!)
  • Food and water (horses and family) - pack your horse's feed into shopping bags and take enough for at least one week
  • Woollen blankets
  • Smoke masks
  • Goggles
  • Fire resistant clothing (even old rally car driving suits can help)
  • A portable radio with batteries and spare batteries
  • A USB stick with all your personal details scanned – (Birth certificates, passports, photos etc)
  • Spare ropes and halters etc

Check your emergency services website for more ideas as this list is very extensive!

 

Can you move your horses in normal circumstances?

You need to think very carefully if it would be possible to move your horses, even if there is not a fire.  Then you can decide what to do in an emergency.

  • Do you have too many horses to move?
  • Will you take some and leave others?  How will you decide which to take?
  • Will they load easily into a float, or will you be caught out and impacted by the fire?
  • Can you move your horses the night before to a safe place so you can focus on safely evacuating your family without the stress of moving animals?

 

What if you CAN’T move your horses?

  • Register with Walking Forward Disaster Team or a similar organisation that can help you prepare and move your animals WELL BEFORE a disaster strikes.
  • Ensure you have a contingency plan in place.  ALWAYS have a plan B and C!  Situations can change very quickly!
  • Work out where the safest place on your property is and PREPARE it BEFORE SUMMER if you cannot take them and must leave.
  • Are you psychologically prepared for this?  Does your family (especially children) understand the consequences of leaving horses/animals behind?

 

What you will need to do if your property is at RISK and your horses need to stay:

  • If you MUST leave horses on your property, prepare them as best as you can by REMOVING rugs, halters, fly masks and anything else that might burn.
  • Put them in an area with minimal vegetation, if possible with access to a dam and LEAVE INTERNAL GATES OPEN.
  • Do NOT put horses in a confined area.  Avoid stables and small yards.
  • NEVER release your horses from your property and onto roads.  They will put others at risk and be in more danger themselves.

 

If you want to move your horses:

If it is safe to move your horses (by taking them to a pre-arranged safe place) remember that this needs to be done BEFORE the fire starts in your area!  Know where to source information (don’t rely on social media or websites) use your emergency radio stations – know what station that is in your state. 

For example in Victoria listen to ABC 774 or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line Call 1800 240 667. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can contact VBIL through National Relay Service on 1800 555 677. If you don't speak English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

 

Considerations:

  • Ensure you pack enough feed (DON’T Expect someone else to provide it for you UNLESS you have LOST everything as a result of a disaster, then donations can be sought).
  • Remember YOU are responsible for your horse at ALL times, no matter where you are.  Ensure you clean up after your horse too and remove manure.  You are responsible for any damage to the property as a result of your horse and any veterinary fees if required.
  • Traffic on the roads will increase – know the route you want to take and have a back up route in case roads are closed.  Think about roadblocks and if you will be able to get your horses in to an area or out of one. 
  • Do not depend on Emergency Services to provide a safe location. Arrange for somewhere to go well in advance.  Know where you are going and have the contact person’s details handy.  Call in advance to ensure the property is still safe to attend and the owner is there to assist and direct you.

 

If you expect to move your horses PLAN:

  • What will be your trigger to leave? (A predicted Code Red or Catastrophic day?)
  • Will you move your horses the night before to ensure they are safe and you have less to worry about if you have to go to work?
  • Will your plan be different for weekends and weekdays?
  • Will ALL family members leave with you or leave early or will some stay and defend if your home is defendable?
  • Who will go with the horses?  Will anyone stay behind?
  • Are there other pets to consider?
  • What will you take?

 

It is very important to consider the value of human life against the value of your horses.  Remember, it is vital to put your own safety before the safety of your horses. 

Our aim is to improve future support to people involved with horses through the assistance of developing plans and information through NED, our National Equine Database.

Please register with us as part of your plan  www.facebook.com/WFDRF

 

LEAVE and LIVE

Jenna Kelley

Walking Forward Disaster Relief Team