Whether or not a family evacuates, owners may want to consider evacuating horses if they are maintained in stables or small pastures in urban areas where they will be unable to avoid debris and collapsing buildings. If it is decided the family must evacuate do not try to evacuate with livestock in trailer unless there is sufficient time.

If a family cannot be on the road 48 hours before the storm is due to hit, the family could easily be caught in traffic and high winds. Traffic on highways will be moving very slowly. A livestock trailer is very unstable in high winds and high winds will arrive eight to 10 hours before the storm.

Think debris. Store and secure everything possible. Plan to turn over and tie down picnic tables or anything else too large to store.

Put ID on animals.

Have the following equipment on hand and know in advance how to use it: Chain saw, ladder, axe, shovel, pry bar, come along, metal cable, block and tackle, wire cutters, tool box and gasoline.

Photograph animals and property. Have a photo of a family member with each animal.

Have a two-week supply of animal feed on hand.

During a hurricane, the safest place for livestock is a large pasture with a low area.

* Free of toxic trees and foliage.
* No overhead power lines
* Well away from areas that might generate wind driven debris.
* It should have both low areas that animals can shelter in during the storm, and higher areas that will not be flooded after the storm.
* It should have woven wire fencing.