Marion County is known for its rolling hills and horse farms. Whether you own 500 cattle, 10 horses, or just one dog, the safety of your animals is a top concern. Here is some tips to help your "extended-family" weather a storm.

• Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate. Due to their size and transportation requirements, it is essential that evacuation plans are in place beforehand. Know where you can take your animals in an emergency, whether boarding stables, racetracks, or fairgrounds. Plan ahead by setting up a community buddy system with other animal owners.

• Secure permanent identification on your animal by microchip, tattoo, or freeze branding. If that's not possible, supply temporary identification by braiding an ID tag into hair (such as a horses mane), writing your name/phone number with a livestock crayon on the horses coat or even shaving it onto your animals flank.

• Have your trailer hitched and pointed toward the road. If you do not own a trailer, make plans ahead of time with friends or neighbors.

• Prepare an emergency kit and carry it in a waterproof bag. Include vaccination records, medical history, photos of your animal, and your veterinarians phone number.

• Keep halters ready for each horse that includes the horses name, your name, phone number, and a separate emergency contact number.

• Keep a reserve supply of horse feed and water on hand.

• If you evacuate your home, do not leave your pets behind. You may be forced to stay away longer than anticipated, leaving animals defenseless. For health reasons, most emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Ask your vet or local animal shelter if they provide emergency care for animals during a disaster. Find out ahead of time which motels and hotels in your area allow pets.

• Be sure your pets are properly identified, ideally with both microchips and identification tags. A microchip under the skin can be read by a universal scanner, and the pet can be traced to its owners.

• Identification tags should include your phone number and be securely fastened to your pets collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site, whether it is a public shelter or a friend's home.

• Assemble an emergency kit in a waterproof bag. Include pet food, bottled water, medications, vaccination records, and current photo of your pet. Also, include your veterinarian's phone number in case you need immediate medical advice.

• Have a pet carrier and a leash readily accessible in the event of evacuation.

• If you have no other choice but to leave your pets at home, keep your dogs and cats inside in separate rooms, preferably without a window, such as a garage, bathroom, or utility room that can be easily cleaned. Leave enough food and water to last several days. Post a notice advising what pets are inside your house and your evacuation site and phone number, so rescue personnel can contact you.

• For more information check out the Humane Society Humane Society Web Site.

Disasters biologically influence both humans and animals. Your animals may be much more difficult to control and violently unpredictable in time leading up to a disaster and during a disaster. Use caution especially with large animals. While your animals may be very important financially and sentimentally, never put yourself in danger to protect your animals.