We would like to thank our neighbors in Los Alamitos for visiting our website. If you are looking for a small business planning attorney in Orange County, you have found a reliable local resource.
Los Alamitos, Spanish for “The Little Cottonwoods,” is a wonderful city in Orange County, incorporated in March 1960. At the last census, this quaint city had a population of 11,449. Los Alamitos is probably best known for the Los Alamitos Race Course, located in neighboring Cypress, which was opened on December 4, 1951. The track is owned by Ed Allred and hosts both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. The Los Alamitos Race Course has the distinction of holding four quarter horse stakes races with purses over $1 million, more than any other track in the United States.
Expansion of the Los Alamitos Track in 2014
In 2013, the Hollywood Park horse racing track was closed. In response, the Los Alamitos track was expanded in 2014 to 1 mile and hosted two Thoroughbreds-only meets. The track gained more notoriety when Art Sherman relocated the home base for his training stable’s from Hollywood Park to Los Alamitos. Sherman’s colt California Chrome won the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
Do You Have a Disaster Plan for your Farm Animals?
Here at the Schomer Law Group, we take our commitment to our neighbors in Los Alamitos to heart. So we recommend considering a disaster preparedness plan for all family farms, especially in an area so rich in horse racing.
Disaster preparedness is important for all of us, including our pets and other animals in our care. That especially includes livestock. If you own a farm, you know that the size of the animals and their shelter and transportation needs make them a special burden. A disaster can happen anytime, and anywhere. Danger can come from hurricanes and tornadoes, or even barn fires. Regardless of whether you need to evacuate or shelter in place, it is essential that you have a plan, so you can adequately protect your livestock. If you own a farm, you need a disaster plan for your farm animals.
Farm owners should take precautions now
Start now by making a disaster plan to protect your property, your buildings, and your animals. Create a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those of your employees, neighbors, veterinarian, poison control, local animal shelter, animal care and control, county extension service, local agricultural schools, trailering resources, and local volunteers. It is wise to list at least one contact person that is located outside the disaster area.
Be sure that every animal has durable and visible identification. Be sure that poultry has access to high areas on which to perch, especially if you are located in a flood-prone area. One of the best things you can do to protect your farm and your livestock is to make sure you frequently review and update your disaster plan, supplies, and information.
Deciding whether to shelter in place
In some cases, evacuation may not be possible. Instead, a decision must be made whether to confine your large farm animals to an available shelter on your farm, or whether to leave them out in the pasture. There are several factors that would need to be taken into consideration in determining which option is best.
Many owners believe that their animals are safer inside barns, but in some situations, confinement takes away the animals’ natural and instinctual ability to protect themselves. This decision should be based on the type of disaster and the security of the sheltering building. So, you need to survey your property for the best location for animal sheltering.
When is a pasture safe, if evacuation is not possible?
If your pasture area meets the following criteria, your large animals may be safer there, than being evacuated:
- No exotic trees that may uproot easily
- No overhead power lines or poles
- No debris or possible sources of blowing debris
- No barbed wire fencing
- Not less than one acre in size, so that livestock can better avoid blowing debris
Planning for a barn fire
Barn fires are actually the most common disaster, affecting livestock, on a farm. Preventing a barn fire is, obviously, the first line of defense. If you have a barn, it is crucial that you recognize how barn fires typically start and know how to deal with them. The most important thing is remaining vigilant at all times. After only a few minutes of exposure to heat and smoke, thousands of dollars in hay, grain, saddles, bridles, and equipment can be lost, in addition to the barn itself. Preventing barn fires and being well prepared to deal with the possibility, can mean the difference.
If you have questions regarding wills, or any other estate planning needs, please contact the Schomer Law Group for a consultation, either online or by calling us at (310) 337-7696.
