Preparing for the Unexpected: Takeaways from the Canadian Wildfire Smoke

As a Western New York resident, I never thought that wildfire smoke could result in dangerous air quality and put my pony mare and countless other horses in harm's way. While scrolling Facebook in the hopes of finding guidance on how to react to the danger and what I could do for my mare, I read post after post wondering the same thing. 

All horse people know that ensuring the well-being of our horses is our top priority. Events such as these are a reminder that it is crucial to develop and put into place policies and procedures to protect our horses. These scary events become a lesson to take action to safeguard equine health and make sure we are prepared no matter the danger. While all emergencies are unique, there are common characteristics:

• Monitor Horses & Adjust Actions

• Properly Prepare and Train Staff

• Communicate with Horse Owners

1. Monitor Horses & Adjust Actions  

In times of emergencies, such as severe weather events or contagious disease outbreaks, closely monitoring horses and adjusting their daily activities becomes crucial to ensuring their well-being and safety. This blog post focuses on the importance of continuous monitoring and provides guidance on adjusting daily routines to meet the specific needs and challenges presented by emergencies.

Perform Regular Health Checks

Increase the frequency of health checks during emergencies to identify any signs of distress or illness promptly. Observe horses for changes in behavior, appetite, and vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and respiration rate. Regularly document these observations to track any potential health issues and seek veterinary assistance when needed.

By regularly tracking key vitals, we can detect early warning signs of potential issues, ensure prompt medical attention when needed, Regularly monitoring and tracking horse vitals allows us to establish baseline measurements for each individual horse. By consistently measuring parameters such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and mucous membrane color, we can quickly identify any deviations from their normal ranges. This early detection of changes can be crucial in recognizing potential health issues, such as infections, dehydration, or underlying medical conditions. Timely intervention can then be sought, leading to more successful treatment outcomes.

Severe weather conditions can pose significant risks to horses' safety and well-being. Events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, or extreme heatwaves may require keeping horses indoors and canceling riding activities. Look for weather advisories or warnings issued by local authorities, meteorological services, or equine organizations. High winds, heavy rain, lightning, excessive heat, or extreme cold can all present potential dangers to horses and riders alike.

Infectious disease outbreaks within the equine community can quickly spread and pose serious health risks. Diseases like equine influenza, strangles, or equine herpesvirus can rapidly affect a barn or an entire region. Stay informed about any reported outbreaks through veterinary clinics, equine organizations, or local authorities. If there is an outbreak, it may be necessary to restrict horse movement, cancel events, and keep horses indoors to minimize the risk of exposure and transmission.Implement strict hygiene and biosecurity protocols to minimize the risk of contagious diseases. Enforce handwashing and disinfection procedures for staff, visitors, and equipment. Isolate and monitor new arrivals or horses showing symptoms of illness to prevent the spread of potential infections.

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, or wildfires, can create chaotic and hazardous situations. In these circumstances, the safety of both horses and humans takes precedence over riding activities. Monitor local emergency services and follow their instructions for evacuation or sheltering in place. Ensure that you have an emergency preparedness plan in place, including provisions for securing horses and relocating them to safer areas if necessary.

Continuously evaluate the stability and safety of the horses' environment. Check for potential hazards like fallen trees, damaged structures, or compromised fencing that could pose risks to the horses. Regularly inspect the stability of shelters, paddocks, and pastures to ensure their suitability during the emergency situation. Monitor air quality and heat index reports to make any adjustments necessary.

Adjust Daily Activities and Care

Consider the limitations imposed by the emergency situation and modify exercise and turnout routines accordingly. If outdoor activities are restricted due to severe weather or environmental hazards, provide alternative options such as supervised indoor exercise, hand-walking, or controlled turnout in designated safe areas.

Ensure a constant and sufficient supply of clean water and appropriate feed for the horses. Monitor water sources to prevent contamination or depletion. Adjust feeding schedules and quantities as necessary to accommodate changes in activity levels or restrictions on movement.

Adapt stable management practices to ensure the horses' well-being and comfort. Provide additional bedding to maintain cleanliness and comfort. Adjust ventilation systems and temperature controls to optimize the horses' living conditions. Regularly check and maintain proper lighting to promote their natural circadian rhythm. Recognize and address the potential stressors associated with the emergency situation. Implement stress reduction techniques, such as providing familiar companionship, grooming, and maintaining a calm and stress-free environment as much as is possible. 

Ensure timely administration of necessary medications and veterinary care. Communicate closely with your veterinarian to adjust treatment plans or medication dosages as required. Maintain accurate records of all medical interventions and monitor the horses' response to treatment.

2. Train Staff

Develop Clear and Comprehensive Emergency Protocols

Before training staff on emergency protocols, it is crucial to assess and identify potential emergencies that could occur at your facility. Consider factors such as severe weather events, fire hazards, injuries, colic episodes, or contagious disease outbreaks. By understanding the specific risks associated with your environment, you can tailor the training to address those scenarios effectively.

Once you have identified potential emergencies, develop clear and comprehensive emergency protocols that outline step-by-step procedures for different scenarios. These protocols should cover a range of emergencies, including evacuation plans, first aid procedures, fire safety protocols, and containment measures for contagious diseases. Make sure the protocols are easily accessible to staff and regularly updated to reflect any changes in the facility or best practices.

Prepare and Train Staff

Training is essential for ensuring that staff members are familiar with the emergency protocols and can effectively implement them when needed. Schedule training sessions at least annually or whenever new staff members join the team. Utilize a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and practical simulations to reinforce learning and build confidence in handling emergencies.

Promote collaboration among staff members during training sessions by encouraging teamwork and role-playing. Simulate emergency scenarios to provide hands-on experience and help staff develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. By practicing these situations in a controlled environment, staff members will be better prepared to handle real emergencies with confidence and composure.

During training sessions, cover key areas of emergency preparedness to provide a comprehensive understanding of each protocol. Topics to consider include:

• Recognizing emergency signs and symptoms
• Communication during emergencies
• Administering basic first aid and emergency medical treatments
• Emergency hauling and evacuation
• Fire safety procedures, including fire extinguisher use and evacuation routes
• Biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of contagious disease

3. Communicate with Horse Owners

Ensure Means of Communication

In times of emergencies, open and effective communication with horse owners is paramount to ensure their peace of mind and the well-being of their equine companions. Horse owners entrust us with the care of their cherished animals, and keeping them informed about emergency protocols and procedures builds trust and collaboration. Make sure you have up-to-date contact information, including primary phone numbers, alternate numbers, and email addresses. Ensure this information is securely stored and easily accessible in case of emergencies. Regularly review and update the contact details to maintain accuracy. Before an emergency occurs, develop a comprehensive communication plan that outlines how you will communicate with horse owners in various scenarios. Consider different communication channels, such as phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, or a dedicated emergency notification system. Determine who will be responsible for delivering the messages and ensure there are backup personnel available to handle communication in case of absence.

Provide Regular Updates and Alerts

During an emergency, provide regular updates and alerts to keep horse owners informed about the situation and any actions being taken. Communicate important details, such as evacuation plans, safety precautions, changes in horse care routines, or any significant developments. Use clear and concise language to convey information effectively, avoiding technical jargon that may confuse or cause unnecessary alarm. Promote two-way communication by encouraging horse owners to ask questions, provide feedback, and share concerns. Establish an open-door policy for communication, allowing horse owners to reach out to you with their queries or suggestions. Respond to inquiries in a timely and empathetic manner, addressing concerns and providing reassurance whenever possible.

Leverage digital tools and social media platforms to enhance communication during emergencies. Create a dedicated webpage or section on your website to post updates and instructions. Utilize social media platforms to share real-time updates, photos, and videos. Encourage horse owners to follow your social media accounts and subscribe to email or text notifications for prompt updates. Maintain transparent and open communication with horse owners regarding events and the measures being taken to safeguard their horses. Keep them informed about air quality conditions, changes to routine activities, and any necessary instructions during hazardous periods. Clear communication will alleviate concerns and foster trust between the barn owner and horse owners.

Continuous learning and adaption are key to ensuring the well-being of our horses. Recent experiences with events like wildfire smoke have reminded us of the essential need to stay informed have clear protocols and plans in place. Let us remain vigilant, proactive, and committed to providing the best care for our equine companions, always striving for their welfare in every circumstance. 

----Please keep the people and animals in Canada in your thoughts and prayers.----

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not intended as legal advice.