Overview
Emergencies such as barn fires, blizzards or floods are common risks in Alberta agricultural communities. Being prepared will help you protect your farm animals, livestock and property.
Use the Emergency preparedness for farm animals and livestock fact sheet for tips.
See Translated resources for this fact sheet and checklist in other languages.
Know the risks
Identifying the hazards that are most likely to affect your area, helps you take appropriate preparedness actions that reduce the risk and impact when an emergency occurs.
Common hazards
Hazards vary depending on where you live, but can include:
- overland flooding from nearby creeks, rivers, canals and lakes, see flood preparedness
- out of control fires in nearby grasslands, forests, and farm structures such as barns, see wildfire preparedness
- severe storms such as extreme wind, tornadoes, heavy rain and blizzards, see tornadoes and extreme winds , thunderstorms, lightening, heavy rain and hail or blizzards, freezing rain, ice storms and extreme cold
- hazardous waste spills and the release of dangerous goods
- diseases and/or pests that affect animals and crops, see biosecurity and livestock
Make a plan
A well thought-out plan can help you respond effectively, protect your animals and property and help you cope with the stress of the situation.
Plan considerations
When building your plan consider the following:
- Build a map. Outline the buildings on the property and include key services (power and water sources), access points, equipment locations, and dangerous chemical storage. Post your map in each building.
- Set a meeting place or muster point in case an evacuation is ordered. Make sure everyone knows the locations and ensure that there is feed, water and shelter for any animals you can evacuate. Consider seasonal weather impacts.
- Create safe transportation methods. If possible, practice loading and transporting your animals.
- Ensure animals are visually identified (for example, ear tags, tattoos) whenever possible. Create a file with all animal identification and ownership records.
- Create an emergency contact list. Include neighbours, animal handlers/transporters, veterinarians and feed suppliers. Post in each building.
- Store all records (animal ID, contact lists and site map) onsite, offsite and digitally.
- Contact your local emergency management office to learn what type of help will be available.
Traceability protects! Register your livestock and poultry with Alberta Agriculture’s Traceability program to help local authorities protect your animals during an emergency.
Know when to stay or go
For your safety, authorities may direct you to shelter in place or evacuate. It is important to follow all directions and to stay informed as the situation and directions can change quickly.
Gather supplies and build a kit
It is a good idea to keep enough supplies on hand to last a minimum of 14 days. Store your supplies together in an easy to access place.
Translated resources
Education materials you can read, print and download to share online and within your community. Translated versions are available in українською (Ukrainian), عربي (Arabic), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Deutsch (High German), Plautdietsch (Low German), Español (Spanish), Français (French) and Tagalog (Tagalog).
Video
Do you have an emergency plan for your farm animals and livestock?
You may need to shelter in place or evacuate with your farm animals and livestock in an emergency. Make a plan for both situations.