It said “there are several proactive measures that can be completed in advance to prepare producers for a wildfire emergency including:
· Having contact information for prearranged off-farm evacuation sites (lairage points) handy
· Reviewing wildfire history in area
· Identifying and maintaining equipment that may help fight an approaching grassfire or wildfire (e.g., disk, harrow, tractor, water truck)
· Reducing vegetation and wood debris within 10 to 30 meters of farm structures by thinning and pruning
· Creating firebreaks by clearing vegetation and exposing bare soil to help curb the movement of wildfire
· Mapping the location of fire extinguishers, these should be in all barns, shops, and structures that have the potential to catch fire. Fire extinguishers should be easy to find within the structures, and all staff and family members should know where they are located and how to use them
· Predetermining the location evacuation sites and routes that may be used for animal movement and have a map of the identified areas readily available for all staff, family and first responders
· Storing hay, straw, beddings/shaving outside the barn in a dry, covered area, if possible
· Having water and feed readily available or at the pre-arranged lairage site(s) to ensure that all affected livestock have sufficient feed and water
· Creating a detailed inventory of livestock and developing list of emergency contacts prior to any wildfire event
· If in a wildfire susceptible area, procuring and installing some type of irrigation/ sprinkler system to help suppress fire
· Preparing an evacuation kit that includes but is not limited to:
o Supply of feed, supplements, and water for seven to 10 days
o Blankets, halters, leads, water buckets, feed buckets
o Copies of vaccination records, medical records, and proof of ownership
o Tools
o Cash and credit card
As you respond to the threat of wildfire consider the following:
· Evacuating employees/visitors to an agreed safe meeting place as required
· Notifying the fire authority immediately
· Assessing the fire and only attempting to contain or extinguish a small fire if it can be done safely.
For floods, it said unconfined animals can usually take care of themselves during a flood.
· The farmer’s goal should be keeping livestock high and dry
· Your local emergency coordinator can provide up-to-date flood information and forecasts.
· Identifying places to which livestock could be moved and having a plan for a livestock hauler, the routes that could be taken and arranging to have feed and water at the evacuation site.
· Identifying higher ground for equipment relocation (e.g., motors, tractors, tools, etc.), pesticides, fertilizer, or other chemicals
· Identifying electrical power switches/breaker to shut off power to areas where flooding is imminent.
· Checking that backup generators are in working order and extra fuel is available in the event of a power outage
· Test sump pumps regularly and install a back-up system (for example, battery back-up or generator).
- During rapid rise of water, cattle often refuse to leave the barn and may drown inside if the water rises high enough. For this reason, begin evacuation measures before a state of emergency.
- Block off narrow passageways where animals would be unable to turn around. A few heavy animals in a narrow dead end can be dangerous.
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