Hurricane Preparation for Livestock

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Hurricane Helene is quickly upon us throughout Western North Carolina and it is very important to have a farm and livestock emergency plan in place. Although animal lives are important, human safety is also important. Do not take unnecessary risks during or after a storm to check livestock. The best way to protect your livestock in extreme weather will depend on the size of your herd, what type of animals you have and how extreme the weather gets. Providing the basics such as food, water and shelter will go a long way to keeping them safe. Make sure you stay up to date with local officials and take precaution before it is too late.

Key Tips to Have in Place for  Livestock

  • Establish an Emergency Plan
  • Make sure there is plenty of fresh water available- Fill any and all available tubs with clean water before the storm. If you have an automatic watering system, these will not work when there is no power.
  • Make sure you have plenty of feed, hay/forages stored in as dry and accessible of a location as possible. Purchase additional feed, hay, and water supplies several days before a hurricane. These items might not be available after the storm.
  • Gather leads/leashes/halters or any other restraining devices. If you halter a horse during severe weather, make sure halters are breakaway.
  • Make sure all barn doors are shut and secured.
  • Secure animals: move to secure pastures or higher locations. Never leave livestock in a closed barn.
  • Ensure all animals have some form of identification. For horses you can use cattle ear tags braided into the mane or tail or attached to a halter with information written on the back. A permanent form of identification is best in case of loose animals.
  • Take a livestock/poultry inventory. Know what you have and where they are!
  • If you are needing safe handling/facilities for birds out of the weather, dog crates will work for transporting them. If leaving your birds, make sure they have access to dry food and fresh water if possible. Birds will roost higher if necessary.
  • Prepare farm vehicles and machinery: gasoline and oil
  • Clear debris from drainage ditches
  • Remove dead or damaged trees
  • Walk fence lines to look for any weak points and if any weak points are found, fix them before the storm hits.
  • Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.

Evacuating

  • If evacuating with your animals, make sure you have proper identification methods and vaccination/medical records as needed
  • Make sure you have roughly two weeks of feeds and medications
  • Have transportation for livestock available
  • Know evacuation locations:
    • If you are in Haywood County and need an emergency evacuation site for your livestock, please contact Kyla-Jo Farmer at 828-550-2258 for assistance
    • The WNC Regional Livestock Center has limited availability but will assist when needed. Call 828-646-3700 for accommodations

Stay Informed

Being prepared and staying informed of current conditions. Here are some ways you can stay informed in Haywood County!

  • Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials.
  • Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
  • Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service, for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

Information To Help Prepare Your Farm

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