Getting Ready for Hurricane Season on the Farm

It is hard to believe, after the long winter we had this year, but we are now approaching Hurricane Season! If you were affected by Sandy or Irene/Lee you know that it can be really hard to get fuel, generators and emergency building supplies during and right after a storm. The checklist below is intended to help livestock producers be prepared for this season’s storms. Some items can be done right away, others (like securing loose equipment) are reminders for when a storm is forecasted. Given the strong winds that can occur suddenly during thunderstorms—being prepared for wind in general is a good practice.

Farm Environment

• Do preventative trimming of trees around barns, driveway and fences.
• Try to maintain as much freeboard in manure lagoon as possible to avoid potential overflow.
• Have on hand 3 to 4 spools of barbed wire plus 50 to 60 metal ‘T’ post to mend fence or to build a temporary fence.
• Calf hutches that are not in use should be stacked together if possible or anchored.
• Nail down all lose pieces of tin on barns.
• Attach extra guide wires to augers on grain bins.
• Have some extra tarps or shade cloth available to cover equipment if roof is blown off or to provide temporary shade.
• Remove shade cloth from portable shade structures to prevent damage.

Equipment

• Fill up all tractors, vehicles, generators and storage containers with fuel. Fuel can be hard to get during and right after a major storm.
• Service generator(s) and make sure they are operational.
• Run the generator under a load for a couple of hours at least every two months. Make sure that the generator won’t fail you when you need it!
• Set up generator in place before storm.
• If using a PTO-type generator, make sure the tractor being used has no fuel or oil leaks to prevent fire hazard.

Feed and Water

• Have about a two-week supply of all feedstuffs needed.
• Have an emergency supply of water.
• Put extra tires on top of silo to help hold down plastic.
• Move round bales from low-lying areas to an area that is readily accessible. Do not store your bales next to a stream. Wrapped roundbales will not protect your farm from rising rivers and may jam up bridges and culverts downstream causing problems to your community and your neighbors.

Animals

• Evaluate herd health program.
• Identify (tag) animals. If animals need to be evacuated and are co-mingled with those from other farms, make sure you have a reliable way to identify your animals.
• Move all animals to high ground if possible.
• Remove calves from calf hutches made out of plastic or fiberglass if possible. If not, anchor the hutches down.
• Have a supply of intra-mammary mastitis treatment, broad spectrum antibiotics, electrolytes and calcium solutions, antiseptics, bandages, needles and syringes. 

Miscellaneous

• Have some cash on hand (often credit cards will not work).
• If you are a dairy farmer, try to work with milk hauler and marketing coop to have the least amount of milk in bulk tank possible prior to potential hurricane.
• Partner with other farms in remote areas for help—you and your neighbors may be cut off from outside assistance for a few days.

Having the supplies you need to keep you, your family and your animals safe during and immediately after a storm can help to reduce your losses and have you back in business quickly.

Last updated May 29, 2015