Hurricanes: Evacuation
Preparing to evacuate —
What to do on your farm
Ensure family safety first. Be certain you have enough time to get to higher ground before access is cut off. If you have time before you receive an evacuation order, these precautions may protect your farm buildings, livestock and equipment from flood damage:
- Move machinery, feed, grain, pesticies and herbicides to higher ground.
- Fill water tanks for livestock. Several days' supply of water may be required.
- Construct mounds of soil for livestock, or open gates so livestock can escape high water. Hay bales may provide safety for small hog herds; they'll climb them to escape high water.
- Animals swim well. The greatest problem for grazing animals will be feces and other obstacles. Try to drive stock through water free of obstructions. Long swims through calm water are safer than short swims through a swift current.
- Leave building doors and windows open at least 2 inches to equalize water pressure and help prevent buildings from shifting.
- If possible, move motors and portable equipment to a dry location. Move them to higher ground if possible.
- Disconnect electric power to all buildings which may be flooded. If in doubt about how to disconnect power, call your utility company.
- Dairymen who anticipate flooding should:
- Check with a veterinarian to be sure cattle are properly immunized before being exposed to flood waters.
- Check with Department of Health concerning approval of temporary milking facilities.
- Try to obtain standby equipment or services for emergency milk pickup.
- When possible, move grain out of reach of flood water.
- Tie down lumber, logs, irrigation pipes, fuel tanks and other loose equipment or material.
- Prepare immovable power units and machinery for flooding:
- Seal radiator openings (tighten caps and plug overflow).
- Remove air cleaners and carburetors; seal openings. Apply lubricant or rust inhibitor to cutting edges of machinery.
- Drape polyethelene sheeting over bell ends of motor. Tie securely with cord on cylindrical part of motor housing, or fasten with a strong rubber band.