Emergencies can strike at any time, and being prepared is the best way to protect your farm, your family, and your animals. Whether it’s a natural disaster, hazardous materials spill, disease & pest outbreaks, or extreme weather, having a well-thought-out emergency plan is essential. Here’s how to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your farm's unique needs.
What Should Your Emergency Plan Include?
Start by covering these essential areas:
Evacuation Routes: Plan at least two evacuation routes for your farm. Clearly mark them and ensure everyone is familiar with them.
Contact Numbers: Have a list of key contacts, including employees, neighbors, your veterinarian, poison control, animal shelters, transportation resources, and local volunteer organizations.
First-Aid Kits: Stock and maintain easily accessible kits for both humans and animals.
Make sure you write down this information and distribute it to everyone on the farm. Test and update your emergency plans regularly to ensure they remain effective!
Farm animals are particularly vulnerable during emergencies, and that is why planning for their safety is essential! The first step you can take to ensure their safety is to designate a sheltered area for these at-risk livestock. Make sure you speak with a local veterinarian to develop a plan catering to your livestock. It may also be helpful to connect with organizations like the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association for additional resources and support. In the case of an emergency where you need to relocate or evacuate your livestock follow these helpful tips:
Relocation Tips:
If relocation is necessary, move your livestock to a pasture with
Native tree species for shelter
No overhead power lines or debris
Woven wire fencing
Enough open space for unrestricted movement
Evacuating with Animals:
Arrange transportation in advance (trailers, trucks, portable, ramps)
Plan shelter locations in collaboration with your community (fairgrounds and exhibition centers)
Make sure there are sufficient supplies of feed, water, and medical supplies
Evacuating without Animals:
Leave at least three days’ worth of food and water.
Open gates to provide animals with access to safe areas.
Close barn doors to avoid animals running back into unsafe areas.
Inform emergency contracts about the animal’s care and location.
So now that we have covered what your plan should include and what actions to take during an emergency situation, let's address your emergency kit. Emergency kits are essential for ensuring that you and your farm team have everything they need in these high-stress situations.
Your emergency kit should include:
Animal records: Make sure you keep an updated list of all animals, including their feeding schedules, vaccination records, and location on the farm.
Identification supplies: Keep an identification record that allows others to identify your livestock.
Basic First Aid Kits: This kit should include supplies for both humans and animals
Handling Equipment: Include halters, cages, blankets, and bolt-cutters.
Sanitation Supplies: include tools and materials that allow for hygiene to be maintained.
Emergency Items: Useful items include cell phones, flashlights, radios, and batteries.
Family supplies: Your animals are important, but so are you! Make sure your kit is stocked with non-perishable foods, water, documentation, identifications, medications, and cash.
Emergency preparedness isn’t just a one-time effort. Regularly review and update your plans and practice these evacuation routes. Taking these steps, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way, ensuring the safety of everyone on your farm. Remember preparedness saves lives! Act today to safeguard your farm and loved ones. Visit trusted resources to learn more about creating a comprehensive emergency plan!
About Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health
Founded in 2008 in the community of Seaforth, ON, Gateway CERH is a not-for-profit rural health research organization run by a community-based volunteer board of directors. Gateway CERH's main mission is to better the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education and communication. Learn more on the Gateway CERH website at: https://www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube
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