Preparing animals for a natural disaster
When natural disasters or extreme weather events are approaching consideration should be given to preparing your animals and keeping them safe.
Early preparation and evacuation will safeguard the welfare of your animals and assist with recovery.
Racing participants have a duty of care to provide for their animals during extreme weather events.
Steps to help you prepare for these events:
- Have an evacuation plan for you and your animals.
- Download Red Cross – Prepared App
- Can you evacuate?
- Where is your nearest evacuation point?
- How do I transport my animals?
- A business continuity plan- how will your business continue and recover
- Prepare information on your animals, microchips, brands, markings, proof of ownership and photos.
- Prepare an evacuation kit.
- Medical supplies for you and your animal (do not forget medications)
- Important documents
- Appropriate equipment – leads, muzzles
- Sufficient food for several days
- Plan to be self-reliant for at least 72 hours – Electricity, feed and secure water source
- Keep up to date with weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Register with your local council for weather updates in your area.
Mitigating floods
- Understand creeks, dams, waterways, and drainage areas on your property. Your local Council can supply information on your property and supply drainage plans
- Avoid building stables, storage structures in flood high-risk areas
- Check the structure of driveways
- Prepare sandbags
- Clear property of loose items
Health hazards – Seek immediate vet advice
- Rain scald, mud fever, Pneumonia, leg wounds
- Open gates so that horses can escape to higher ground
Remember – If its flooded – forget it!
For more information visit;
Red Cross Emergency Management
Red Cross Get Prepared app
Bureau of Meteorology
Business Queensland
Get ready Queensland
Queensland Government disasters and alerts
Queensland Government Disaster Management