Farm animals and livestock preparedness

Overview

Emergencies and disasters such as barn fires, blizzards or floods are common risks in agricultural communities across Alberta. Being prepared will help you protect your farm animals, livestock and property so you can overcome unexpected situations as quickly as possible.

Know the risks

Identifying the hazards helps you prepare and reduce the impact when sudden events do occur.

Common hazards

Hazards vary depending on where you live, but can include:

• overland flooding from nearby creeks, rivers, canals and lakes
• out of control fires in nearby grasslands, forests, and farm structures such as barns
• severe storms such as extreme wind, tornadoes, heavy rain and blizzards
• hazardous waste spills and the release of dangerous goods
• diseases and/or pests that affect animals and crops

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 emergency or disaster.

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.
• Work with your local Director of Emergency Management to learn what type of help will be available.

Recovery assistance

Recovering from a disaster is difficult. A conditional grant program can provide financial assistance after emergencies and disasters that cause uninsurable loss and damage.

Visit Disaster financial assistance and recovery support for more information.

Financial preparedness

• Speak to an insurance agent about your specific needs.
• Know your insurance policy. Make sure your home, vehicle, business and belongings are protected.
• If possible, consider an emergency savings account to cover temporary expenses while you are out of your home.
• If you can, keep emergency cash handy in case banking services are unavailable.
• If you are evacuated, keep all receipts for additional expenses.
• Make a detailed list of all your belongings.
• Know how to make an insurance claim.

Staying informed

Staying informed during emergencies can save your life. Protect yourself and your loved ones by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive critical, life-saving alerts.

You can also find out more information by contacting your community directly to find out where they post updated information during emergencies.

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.

Helping others

Check with your community to learn how to help others during severe weather events. If you’re concerned for someone’s safety, call:

• 211 if someone is in distress or in an unsafe place
• 911 if they’re unconscious or need medical help

Related

• Before, during and after an emergency
• About traceability to protect livestock, producers and consumers
• Biosecurity and livestock