Power Outages on Your Farm

Power outages can occur from a variety of situations, such as ice storms. The loss of power to farms using mechanical ventilation, bulk milk-handling equipment, automated feeding systems, heat or refrigeration can result in economic and livestock losses. Preparing now can minimize the impact and protect your livestock and equipment.

Before a Power Outage

• Have a standby or backup power source.
  • This is especially important if you have vital electrical equipment on your farm.
  • If and when possible, buy equipment that has a battery powered backup system.
• Protect electrical equipment.
  • Install surge protectors and/or battery back-up systems for sensitive electronic equipment (e.g., computers).
  • Prepare a list of equipment that will need to be turned off during an outage.
• Develop a emergency preparedness plan.
  • Have a list of emergency contact numbers.
  • Have a plan on how to maintain operations on your farm should the power go out.
• Have an emergency plan for water and feed resources for your livestock.
  • Obtain emergency supplies of forage and grain.
  • Identify emergency resources for water.
  • Have a list of suppliers, truckers, and people that can help with the animals, especially if normal working conditions are disrupted.

During a Power Outage

• Backup power.
  • Use standby or backup power sources for emergency power.
  • Only use generators in well-ventilated areas. Generators are a major cause of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause loss of consciousness and death.
  • The most common symptoms are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
  • Use battery-operated light sources (flashlights or glow sticks). Do not use candles due to the risk of fire.
• Equipment safety.
  • Unplug or turn off all electrical equipment to prevent damage from electrical surges or spikes when power is eventually restored.
• Ventilation for livestock.
  • Do not close buildings tight to conserve heat, since animals could suffocate from lack of oxygen.
  • Open vents to facilitate natural air flow. Clear any debris from all vents.
  • Poultry facilities should be equipped with knock-out panels for emergency ventilation.
  • In dairy facilities, open doors or turn cows outside.
• Food for livestock.
  • Mechanical feeders will be inoperable during a power failure.
  • Have a plan in place for emergency feeding procedures.
• Water for livestock.
  • Provide all animals with plenty of water.
  • Your water pump may be driven with a small gasoline-powered engine; otherwise, you will need to haul water.
  • If you have an outside source of water, cattle can be turned out.
  • Regardless of the source of water, be sure it remains clean and safe for animal consumption.
  • As a last resort, dairy cattle can be fed their own milk if there is no water available.
• Environmental conditions for livestock.
  • If the power outage occurs during winter weather, back up heating measures will be needed.
  • If the power outage occurs during hot weather, back up air conditioning or ventilation will be needed.
  • Plan ahead to have the necessary equipment ready for these situations.