Farm emergency preparedness
It's important to be prepared in the event of a farm emergency.
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Considerations when planning for a farm emergency
Protecting your farm involves a number of considerations: family members, coworkers or employees, livestock, crops, buildings, and equipment.
Planning ahead for all-hazard situations can help to minimize the impact and speed the recovery process for you and your farm.
Gather information. What disasters or hazards are most likely in your community? For your farm? How would you be warned? How should you prepare for each?
Natural disasters are becoming more of an everyday occurrence in Canada and the consequences are costly, disruptive and stressful. In 1996 major floods on the Saguenay River in Quebec resulted in severe damages for agricultural producers. The Red River floods in Manitoba one year later had similar disastrous effects. In 1998, the Eastern Canada Ice Storm turned out to be the most costly natural disaster in Canadian history. More recently, the Alberta floods caused major damage to agricultural operations.
Due to significant climate change, the frequency with which natural disasters occur will present a major challenge to farmers and farm organizations in the coming years.
Preparing for a farm emergency
- Draw a farm site map and indicate: buildings and structures, access routes (roads, lanes, etc.), barriers (fences, gates, etc.), locations of livestock, hazardous substances. electrical shutoff locations, etc..
- Make a list of your farm inventory, including livestock (species, number of animals), crops (acres, type), machinery and equipment (make, model, serial number), hazardous substances (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, compressed gas cylinders, fuels, medicines, other chemicals).
- Keep a list of emergency phone numbers, such as your veterinarian, insurance agent, etc..
- Make a list of suppliers or businesses providing services to your farm: livestock or milk transport, feed delivery, fuel delivery, etc..
- Contact your insurance agent. Review your insurance coverage. Get additional coverage for “all-hazard” situations (e.g. flood, hail damage).
- Stockpile supplies needed to protect the farm:
- sandbags, plastic sheeting, incase of flood
- wire and rope to secure objects
- lumber and plywood to protect windows
- extra fuel for tractors and vehicles
- hand tools for preparation and recovery
- fire extinguishers in all barns and in all vehicles
- an ample supply of feed for livestock
- a gas powered generator
- Identify areas to relocate your assets (e.g., higher elevation), if needed. Plan for livestock, tractors and equipment, feed, grain, hay, agrochemicals (e.g., pesticides, herbicides).
- Remove or secure any loose equipment or materials, such as lumber and fuel tanks. Prepare farm employees. Inform them of the farm’s emergency plan; review it with them regularly. Identify shelter-in-place or evacuation locations.
- Establish a phone tree with contact information for all employees.
Livestock emergency preparedness
Emergency situations can impact cattle, horses, and other livestock.
Determine the hazards and risks for your area and animals. Are animals located outside or housed indoors? What is the risk of illness or injury to animals at these locations?
Maintain an inventory. Keep a current list of all animals on your farm. Include their location and any records of vaccinations or testing.
Have identification for all animals. Make sure animals have some form of permanent identification (ear tags, tattoos).
Make sure you have records of ownership for all animals, in cases of loss or displacement.
Identify alternate water or power sources. Install a generator to run the well pump.
Prepare an evacuation kit. Handling equipment (halters, nose leads), water, feed, or buckets, medications, tools and supplies needed for sanitation, cell phone and chargers, flashlights, portable radios and batteries, first aid kit, safety and emergency items for your vehicles and trailers, gas powered generators, etc..
Make evacuation arrangements. Locate and prearrange evacuation sites. Determine routes to these locations and have alternate routes planned as well. Make arrangements for trucks, trailers, or other transport vehicles for livestock as well as experienced handlers and drivers. Condition animals to being loaded and transported. Plan how handling equipment and veterinary care will be obtained at the evacuation site. Arrange for feed and water delivery for the evacuation site.
Establish escape routes to safe locations (higher elevation). Keep animals from unsafe locations (e.g. barns in flood situations, under trees in severe thunderstorms).
Establish a safe environment for animals. Assess the stability and safety of barns and other structures.
Remove dead trees or other debris in fields or animal holding locations. Remove or secure any loose equipment or materials, such as lumber, feed troughs. Make sure wiring for heat lamps or other electrical machinery is safe and away from flammable debris.
REMINDER: Your emergency response plan is a living document that requires annual review.
Farm 911: Emily Project
Farm 911, also referred to as the Emily Project is a program that assigns civic addresses to existing access points on vacant agricultural lands and rural lands. Participants in the program will receive a yellow Farm 911 sign for easy identification by first responders when attending an emergency that’s not tied to a home or farm building. To learn more about the program and apply, visit the Farm 911 page.
