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  Discussion on Sheltering in Place- Chemical Leaks
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Member:
9193

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 28, 2006 - 3:21 pm:

Two days ago my daughter and I left our boarding barn and our radio program was interrupted by an announcement from the local alert program that a "shelter in place" notification was in effect because of a sulfur dioxide leak at the Shell oil refinery about 10 miles away. Residents were to get inside, tape windows and doorways, stop using all fans, air conditioners, close flues, ect and stay inside until the notification was lifted.

It felt very uncomfortable for my daughter and I as we DrOve away farther from the barn knowing we could get away from the leak but the horses were possibly vulnerable.

There is no way to tape up our barn airtight.. Has anyone else ever experienced this emergency?

I have a trailer at the barn, but do not usually drive my truck out unless I plan to trailer. Is is better to keep horses out in the paddocks or try to confine them in their stalls? I would be concerned that whatever chemical is leaking would accumulate in a barn all closed up causing distress to the horses, but I am unsure how to protect horses from exposure to possible toxic chemicals in the air.

Thanks for your thoughts

Debra
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 28, 2006 - 5:08 pm:

Wow Debra,
Some preparation will help you decide what your risk is. First learn exactly in what direction the plant is. If you get such a warning again check the wind's direction. If it is blowing toward the plant you are safe as long as the wind stays in that direction.

If the danger is real the only thing I can think of is to load them up and go if there is time. If this is a worry you should have your truck with you. If you get any wiff you and your daughter should just leave. The level in the barn will not get higher than the air outside. I would think a blanket to keep it off the skin and closing the barn as tightly as possible would be best.
DrO
Member:
Canter

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 29, 2006 - 7:59 am:

Yikes, Debra! What a scary situation. I can't offer any practical advice other than to say I too would be VERY concerned about the horses and would hate to leave my horse behind. I would be frantic until the situation got resolved and I was able to get back out to the barn to check everyone out.

I hope all is safe now and your horse and the others at the barn came through safely.
Member:
Frances

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 29, 2006 - 10:22 am:

What a nightmare - I truly hope the toxic cloud has dispersed without harming man or beast. How can you possibly make a barn airtight?

Thinking of your plight

Lynn
Member:
Cpacer

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 29, 2006 - 1:39 pm:

Is there such a thing as gas masks for horses? I'm sure there was something at least during WWII--?
Member:
9193

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 29, 2006 - 1:57 pm:

Thank you all for your thoughts and concern..

We have several oil refineries in the Bay Area and every Wednesday at noon there is a testing of the sirens as part of the safety protocol. Certainly living with the prospect of an earthquake keeps many of us aware that damage to the oil refineries could add an extra concern/risk of chemicals escaping post shake.

I guess what bothered me the most is that I was completely unaware that something had happened until after the fact.. It was a "small" leak and brought under control within the hour, but until I had gotten into the car and turned on the radio, I had no idea there were any problems developing.

The barn is separated from the refineries by a number of small hills, so that type of terrain is helpful I have learned, to slow down the dispersion of chemicals. (They also block the sound of the sirens.) It would have to be a pretty big leak with the prevailing winds blowing onshore that would pose the biggest risk to the barn. (helpful to know, but doesn't eliminate the concern or possibility.)

I have often in my mind played out the different scenarios that could occur during an earthquake, I guess I shall add "shelter in place" scenarios to that list of risk possibilities.

Wasn't it Gilda Radner that use to say "It's always something!!"

Smiles,
Debra
Member:
Canter

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 29, 2006 - 4:03 pm:

Debra, probably all you can do in case of disaster is prepare ahead of time (this is true for all of us, whether the potential disaster is flooding, earthquake, tornadoes...whatever). Several of the humane society websites list things to do/take care of pre-disaster, such as stocking up on water & food, keeping extra halters & lead ropes handy, etc. Unfortunately some disasters will hit without warning, such as an earthquake or chemical spill, but I suppose having some sort of back-up plan may provide some peace of mind.

I grew up in the NE and moved to the Mid-West 10 years ago. I still get as jumpy as a cat during tornado season. I know I can get my daughter, dog and cats into the basement quickly (at the first warning, all pets get a leash attached to their collars so I can grab them quickly) but ever since buying my first horse, I worry terribly about what will happen to my biggest "baby". Horses! So much joy, so much worry, but can't now imagine life without them!

Glad things turned out OK for you.
Member:
9193

Posted on Thursday, Mar 30, 2006 - 5:07 pm:

Fran, I couldn't agree with you more. And I suppose as you pointed out.. you can have all the best plans worked out, but you can still be caught in a situation that can't be forseen.

I'm with you on the tornados!! I was stationed in Alabama and Texas in the mid '70's and went to Nursing School in Lawton, OK. This California kid will take living with the possibility of an earthquake over the definite season of tornados ANYDAY!! Those things are scary!! I didn't get any too fond of dealing with hurricanes either...

I can't imagine my life without a horse in it either. Thank you for your concern and I sincerely hope that you, your family and your furkids are spared any repercussions from a tornado. The picture of your mare is beautiful.. good luck with her!

Smiles,
Debra
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