Identify measures you can take to mitigate risk and ways to ensure you are prepared for a quick and effective response should a disaster or emergency strike.
High risk during spring
- Flood or flash flood
- Grass fires
- Spring snowstorm
- Building or structure collapse
- Plow wind, hurricane, tornado
- Thunderstorm – lightning strikes
- Thin ice on dugout, slough or other water
Other risks
- Disease outbreak
- Drought
- Hazardous material spill or release
- Explosion
- Building fire
- Transportation incident
- Building or structure collapse
- Power outage
- Water contamination
- Uncared for or neglected domestic animals
- Loose livestock
- Ill or hungry wildlife
Response Preparation
- Have fire extinguishers available and up to date in all barns and buildings.
- Clear water should be accessible at all barns to allow for fighting fires.
- Current animal inventory numbers.
- Ensure animals have access to higher and/or open ground in case of high water or fire.
- Test emergency generator if you have one.
- Inspect and make any repairs to fences, gates and livestock trailers that may be needed.
- Have temporary fencing or penning available and supplies to fix fence.
Risk Mitigation Checklist
- Keep grass mowed around all buildings.
- Inspect any fences for winter damage before putting animals out on pasture.
- Make sure all gates are in good repair and functioning.
- Limit any burning activity, including burn barrels to damp and windless days.
- Cut down any at risk trees that died or became weakened over the winter.
- Clean out all culverts to allow for unobstructed flow of water.
- Monitor water levels around your farm and at nearby water sources.
- Check all feed sources for mold and other damage.
- Inspect all wiring in barns and remove dust and cobwebs from junction areas.
- Clean any equipment or junk that can become flying projectiles.
- Vaccinate all animals for disease prevention following veterinarian updates.
- Clean out all barns, stalls, corrals, etc.
- Ensure all hazardous material is properly stored.
- Eliminate as many flammables as possible from area.
- Hay, straw or manure piles may self-combust and cause a fire, never store close to structures or buildings.