Natural Disasters – Preparation for Livestock

In the event that a natural disaster strikes following these suggestions can alleviate further stress:

• Post emergency contact numbers at your barn or on your pasture fence.
• Have sufficient transportation available for all your livestock or know where to obtain it. Train your livestock how to board the vehicles.
• Create a list of neighbors within a 50 to 100-mile radius of your home who would be willing to board your livestock if you are forced to evacuate.
• Form agreements with neighboring ranches and farms to help each other with disaster preparation and evacuations.

Related Article: First Aid Kit for The Barn >>

• Know organizations in your area that are prepared to rescue and house displaced livestock.
• Involve your family and neighbors in establishing an evacuation plan for animals in barns and outlying buildings.
• Have a supply of feed at a separate location which could be air-dropped if the animals become stranded.
• Make up a kit with leads, halters, equine and bovine first aid kits, quieting hoods for easy transport and water.
• Keep photos and a copy of your ownership papers or brands with you at all times in case you are separated from your livestock.