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10 Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

Writer: ARUARU

"Hurricanes and tropical storms pose unique and potentially deadly threats to areas in their paths. While human safety is of upmost importance, we have learned valuable lessons from previous hurricanes about the importance of considering animals (pets and farm livestock) in disaster planning. Hurricanes bring a host of potential challenges for commercial poultry farmers. Having a farm emergency plan in place long before hurricane season arrives is not only smart, it also can have a direct effect on your farm’s profitability and long-term survival." - Climate Hubs, USDA


Ensure Generators Are Fully Functioning

  • Make sure the farm's generators can handle a continuous full load with everything running

  • Check generators regularly throughout the year to ensure they work properly


Stock Up On Fuel & Propane

  • If you have small chicks that need heat, make sure there is enough propane

  • Schedule a propane delivery ahead of the storm if necessary

  • Stock up on extra fuel for generators and other equipment


Keep Cell Phones & Emergency Contacts Ready

  • Make sure cell phones are fully charged

  • Have emergency contact numbers prepared and accessible


Check Inventory & Restock Supplies

  • Take inventory of all equipment, supplies, and feed

  • Schedule a feed delivery ahead of the storm if necessary


Clear Draining Ditches of Debris

  • Ensure drainage ditches and culverts around poultry houses are clear of debris and can carry away the maximum amount of water


Bed Broilers & Layers with Hay To Keep Dry

  • Do what you can to keep birds protected from the storm


Secure All Items on Farm

  • Nail down and secure roofing, windows, door, siding materials, etc. to ensure nothing will blow open or away

  • Secure farm equipment and machinery


Waterproof & Secure Important Documents

  • Backup important documents

  • Put important documents into waterproof containers and store in a secure location


Fill Vehicles with Fuel for Evacuation if Necessary

  • Be prepared to evacuate if necessary


Review Your Insurance

DO NOT wait until disaster strikes to find out you are insufficiently covered.

Did you know that 92% of Contract Poultry Growers are underinsured and could not recover from a major disaster? Every year family poultry farms go bankrupt because of some sort of catastrophic event after which they realized their insurance programs were woefully insufficient. Do not let this happen to you. Make sure to prepare your farm AND your insurance for disasters.


Click here for the full newsletter from the USDA on tips to prepare poultry producers for hurricanes.


 
 
 

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Winston-Salem, NC 27101

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