Be Prepared

Livestock Emergency Preparedness Plan

Disaster situations can impact livestock and horses. Due to their size, and special shelter and transport requirements, planning ahead for emergency situations imperative.

Before a Disaster or Emergency

• Determine the hazards and risks for your area and animals.
  • Are animal located outside or housed indoors?
  • What is the risk of illness or injury to animals at these locations?
• Maintain an inventory.
  • Keep a current list of all animals on your farm.
  • Include their location and any records of vaccinations or testing.
• Have identification for all animals.
  • Make sure animals have some form of permanent identification (e.g., ear tags, tattoos).
  • Make sure you have records of ownership for all animals, in cases of loss or displacement.
• Identify alternate water or power sources.
• Prepare an evacuation kit.
  • Handling equipment (e.g., halters, nose leads)
  • Water, feed, and buckets
  • Medications
  • Tools and supplies needed for sanitation
  • Cell phone, flashlights, portable radios, and batteries
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Safety and emergency items for your vehicles and trailers
  • Gas powered generators
• Make evacuation arrangements.
  • Locate and prearrange evacuation sites.
  • Determine routes to these locations and have alternate routes planned as well.
  • Make arrangements for trucks, trailers, or other transport vehicles for livestock as well as experienced handlers and drivers.
  • Condition animals to being loaded and transported.
  • Plan how handling equipment and veterinary care will be obtained at the evacuation site.
  • Arrange for feed and water delivery for the evacuation site.
• Establish escape routes to safe locations (e.g., higher elevation).
  • Keep animals from unsafe locations (e.g., barns in flood situations, under trees in severe thunderstorms).
• Establish a safe environment for animals.
  • Assess the stability and safety of barns and other structures.
  • Remove dead trees or other debris in fields or animal holding locations.
  • Remove or secure any loose equipment or materials, such as lumber, feed troughs.
  • Make sure wiring for heat lamps or other electrical machinery is safe and away from flammable debris.

Livestock Daily Feed and Water Requirements