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CHC/VSEMA Equine Disaster Planning Day
Approximately 75 horse owners and first responders came together in Old Lyme to learn about issues they could face during disasters. The event was a collaborative effort between the Valley Shore Emergency Management Association, The Connecticut Horse Council, Inc., and High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center.
This event allowed horse and barn owners to learn about potential disaster scenarios, and how to plan for the issues they might encounter. First responders learned the basics of horse psychology, and how to halter and lead a horse if needed. The session also provided an opportunity for first responders and horse owners to interact and discuss scenarios, so that they could learn about each other and foster relationships.
Some of the important topics covered included barn fire prevention, evacuation planning, pre-mitigation steps, basic emergency kits, the mechanics of properly loading horse trailers, and insurance issues. The morning session consisted of a lecture and power point presentation at Old Lyme middle school, followed by lunch and hands on horse work for the first responders at High Hopes in the afternoon.
This event was a first for Connecticut, and additional planning sessions are expected to be held in the future. It also occurred just in time for the recent passage of legislation which would require towns in Connecticut to consider horses and livestock in their emergency plans.
The Valley Shore Emergency Management Association (VSEMA) is comprised of the emergency managers of 13 Connecticut shoreline towns. The Connecticut Horse Council, Inc. (CHC) is an all volunteer organization dedicated to representing the horse industry in Connecticut. High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center is a NARHA accredited handicapped riding facility located in Old Lyme.
For more information about CHC, please visit www.cthorsecouncil.org. For more information about High Hopes, please visit www.highhopestr.org.
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