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Disaster Planning Guidelines
for
Livestock
We are located in Florida where hurricanes are a very real danger for us. These are guidelines for such an occurrence.
Before the Storm:
- Become familiar with the type of disasters that occur in your area. Think about natural and manmade disasters.
- Have a written plan. During stressful times it is easy to forget
or omit something important. Make a list of emergency numbers,
neighbors, veterinarian, local animal shelters, poison control, county
extension office and keep it with your disaster plan.
• Identify the animals with visible and durable identification.
• Poultry should have access to high perches in flood prone areas.
- Consider whether evacuation is an option. In the event that you
evacuate familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and roads less
traveled. Evacuate 72 hours before the storm is due to hit. Traffic
moves very slowly if at all and high winds will make a livestock
trailer very unstable.
- If you opt to shelter in place select an area with no overhead
power lines. A minimum of one acre is necessary to assist livestock in
avoiding blowing debris. Barbed wire fencing can present a very serious
problem as the animals can become entangled in it if it becomes damaged.
- Remember that the power may be out, so don’t depend on automatic pumps working.
- Make sure that you have enough food, water and medications for two weeks. Identify any potential alternate water source.
After the Storm:
- Make sure the storm is over before you venture out.
- Use caution after the storm. Beware of downed power lines.
- Check pastures for debris that may injure your livestock.
- Check to make sure that the fences are intact and secure.
- Wildlife will also become affected by the storm and may become disoriented and end up where you least expect them. Be careful.
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