Floods and Your Farm

Protecting your farm during flood situations can involve a variety of actions, from inspecting and maintaining the property to installing protective devices or materials.

Before a Flood

• Determine the risk of flooding for your area.
  • The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
    • http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/
  • The National Weather Service
    • http://www.weather.gov/
• Identify potential hazards on your property.
  • Know how to turn off electrical power, gas and water supplies
  • Secure structurally unstable materials (e.g. lumber, logs, equipment, fuel tanks).
  • Keep surface water out of your well by sealing the well cap and top of the well casing with heavy plastic and duct tape.
• Prepare your buildings.
  • Build with or install flood-resistant materials.
  • Raise electrical components (e.g., switches, sockets, circuit breakers) above the projected flood elevation.
• Stockpile emergency building materials.
  • Plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, hammer, saw, pry bar, sandbags, shovel
• Make a list of your farm inventory, include:
  • Livestock (species, number of animals)
  • Crops (acres, type)
  • Machinery and equipment (make, model #)
  • Hazardous substances (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, fuels, medicines, other chemicals)
• Identify areas of higher ground to relocate valuable or hazardous materials.
• Obtain flood insurance.
  • The National Flood Insurance Program is available in most areas. For more information www.floodsmart.gov

During a Flood

• Stay informed.
  • Listen to the radio or television for situation developments and evacuation instructions.
  • Do not ignore evacuation orders.
• If you must evacuate,
  • Ensure your family’s safety first.
  • Follow designated evacuation routes.
• If you have time,
  • Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
  • Leave building doors and window open at least 2 inches to equalize pressure and help prevent buildings from shifting.
  • If possible, move motors and portable electric equipment to a dry location.

After a Flood

• Return home after officials have declared the area safe.
• Before entering - Assess the situation.
  • Survey damage to the outside and inside of your home and buildings, equipment, livestock and crops.
  • Identify areas of contaminated water.
  • Identify sharp objects, downed power lines, or other hazards (e.g., chemical spills).
  • If you smell natural or propane gas, or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
  • If power lines are down outside your home or buildings, do not step in any standing water.
• Approach entrances carefully.
  • Building structures may be collapsed or damaged.
• Stay safe during cleanup.
  • Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.
  • Use caution with gas powered equipment – dangerous carbon monoxide can be generated.
• Account for your inventory.
  • Compare with the list prepared prior to the incident.
  • Note any livestock losses.
  • Check machinery and equipment for damage.
  • Take photographs of all damage for insurance or emergency assistance purposes.
  • Report any hazardous materials (e.g., fuels, agricultural chemicals) spills or leaks to emergency response personnel.
• Flooded farm machinery.
  • Floodwater may permanently damage machinery; mud and silt may be deposited.
  • Thorough cleaning, drying and lubrication of parts is necessary.
  • Work with your mechanic to properly recondition equipment before use.