Food and Water Requirements
Water is ALWAYS given free choice to all animals. Animals (except birds), like people, can go extended periods of time without food, but can only last a couple of days at the most without water. The values, below, are approximate per adult animal per day and may vary greatly with temperature, workload, stress and disease. Sources of feed should be identified before a disaster.
In general most herbivorous animals are going to eat approximately 1-2% of their body weight in some form of "roughage." Roughage is hay or hay-like products (pellets, cubes, hay, etc.) In an emergency grain products ("concentrates") need not be given.

Disaster Food Schedule

*supplementing the diet with grain is helpful
**always supplied free choice

During and Following a Disaster
Your personal safety and that of those around you should always be your first concern. A pre-determined plan will help you remain calm and think clearly. Remember to communicate and cooperate with all emergency personnel. If you must leave the premises let someone know where you are going and try to remain in contact with that person.

In the Event of a Fire
Do not enter buildings that are already burning--smoke inhalation will slow you down and possibly kill you. Contact emergency personnel immediately. Report changes in wind direction, speed and fire behavior. Post a lookout for possible dangers. Have your trailer hitched and pointed towards the road. Leave barn doors unlocked and keys in the ignition. Put halters on animals and keep gates unlocked but secure. If you believe that the barn will burn before emergency personnel will arrive, release the animals to a safer location. Animals often will return to a place they know as home, but you should not enter buildings that are already burning. Leave this to fully equipped emergency personnel. Smoke inhalation can slow you down and kill you.

If you are caught out in the open when the fire hits, seek areas with sparse vegetation or bare ground. Lie face down in a depression and cover yourself with anything that will protect you from the heat. Avoid trying to outrun the head of a fire, instead watch for slower burning flanks. Do not attempt to control the animals that are with you. Let them go free--they will have a better chance of escaping the fire.

In the Event of an Earthquake
During the quake remember to Drop, Cover, or Hold On. Once the tremors have stopped, take a good look around. Do not enter buildings that may have become unstable during the quake. Like you, your animals will be frightened and need reassurance. If an animal has become injured or trapped, call emergency personnel immediately. Be prepared for aftershocks.

In the Event of an Flood
If you receive notice of rapidly rising waters, move all animals, feed and water to higher ground. Escape routes may be cut off quickly so avoid leaving animals in standing water or in areas that may be easily cut off by the flood.

If You Must Leave Animals Behind
Post a highly visible sign (either on a window or a door) letting rescue workers know the breed and amount of animals which remain. Leave plenty of food and water in an adequate container that cannot be tipped over. Place extra food close to the animals so rescue workers may feed them daily. Do not tie the animals or leave them confined in an area that may be easily destroyed. Loose animals on roads or highways can be easily injured and interfere with emergency rescue vehicles, so the animals should be directed towards a safer area such as a pasture.

If Your Animal Becomes Lost
Immediately call or visit the nearest animals shelter or emergency command post. When deemed safe, return to your neighborhood to post and distribute lost animal posters, which include your name, address, phone number and a picture of the animal. Animals may stay hidden for weeks, so be patient and continue searching your area.

If You Find a Lost Animal
If you should find a lost animal, please notify the local animal shelter as soon as possible and be prepared to give a full description of the animal (i.e. color, breed, sex) and its location. Remember that sick and/or injured animals can become unpredictable from the stress of injury, and should be handled by a professional familiar with proper handling techniques.

What Can You Do to Help?
Help organize a neighborhood rescue group.
Join an animal rescue team and learn techniques to aid animals during a disaster.

Get Your Veterinarian Involved.
Check to see if there is a local animal care organization in your area that you can join.

Keep A List of Emergency Phone Numbers As Follows:

Neighborhood Coordinator________________

Local Humane Society____________________

Disaster Preparedness Plans for Large Animals
Do you have an emergency plan in case of an earthquake, fire or flood? What will you do with your horses, cows, llamas, sheep, pigs, etc.? Listed below are the Animal Rescue Kouncil's (ARK) recommendations to keep you and your animals safe and calm before, during and after a disaster.

Before Disaster Strikes
Be Prepared