Special Consideration For Agricultural Producers

In addition to the precautions and responses covered in the previous pages, the agricultural producer will want to consider the following measures.

Preparing For a Flood or Flash Flood on Your Farm or Ranch

1. If you graze livestock in areas subject to flash flooding, consider using the area for larger animals. Pigs and calves are less likely to survive a flood than larger animals.

2. Leave animals an exit route to higher ground when possible. Animals will not always use an exit wisely.

3. If heavy rains are expected, pen animals on high ground at night.

Protecting Livestock During a Flood

Livestock that are not in a confined area usually can take care of themselves during floods. Do not let them become trapped in low-lying pens. In broad, level flood plains where flood waters are seldom deeper than 3 or 4 feet, construct mounds of soil on which livestock can stay until flood waters recede. Or carry bales of hay for hogs to climb on. Try to locate these mounds where they will not be washed way by fast flowing water.

1. Provide feed and water. Water is essential. Thirsty animals will try to break out to get to flood waters. If water is in short supply, limit feed intake.

2. If animals are housed with machinery, fasten bales of straw in front of sharp edges and protruding parts such as cutter bars or crank handles. Do not use hay because animals will eat it. Try to cover wooden paddle wheels on combines or choppers because these parts can be dangerous if partially broken.

3. Block off narrow passageways where animals would be unable to turn around. A few heavy animals in a narrow dead end can be dangerous both to themselves and the building.

4. Be absolutely sure that herbicides, pesticides and treated seeds are not even remotely accessible to livestock and are stored where flood water will not contaminate livestock feed or water.

5. Turn off electricity at the main switch. Livestock could damage electric fixtures, causing fires or electrocutions.

6. If there is a possibility that dairy barns may become inundated, drive cattle out of the barn. During a rapid rise of water, cattle often refuse to leave the barn and may drown if the water rises high enough.

Preparing to Evacuate Your Farm

Ensure family safety first. See the General Family Preparedness section for more information on evacuation procedures. 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, the following precautions may help you protect your farm buildings, livestock and equipment from flood damage:

1. Move machinery, feed, grain, pesticides and herbicides to higher elevations.

2. Construct mounds of soil for livestock, or open gates so livestock can escape high water. Small numbers of hogs can sometimes be saved by bringing them bales of hay to climb on.

3. Animals swim well. The greatest problem for grazing animals will be fences 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.

4. Leave building doors and windows open at least 2 inches to equalize water pressure and help prevent buildings from shifting.

5. If possible, move motors and portable electric equipment to a dry location.

6. Disconnect electric power to all buildings which may be flooded. Call your utility company if in doubt about how to disconnect power electric.

7. Dairymen who anticipate extensive flooding should:
   • Check with a veterinarian to be sure cattle are properly immunized before being exposed to flood waters.
   • Check with the 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.

8. Tie down lumber, logs, irrigation pipes, fuel tanks and other loose equipment or material.

9. Prepare immovable power units and machinery for flooding.
   • Seal radiator openings (tighten caps and plug overflow).
   • Remove air cleaners and carburetors; seal openings. Use material strong enough to withstand water pressure.
   • Fill oil reservoirs.
   • Plug breather pipes and openings.
   • Fill bearings with fresh lubricant.
   • Protect open gears, sprockets, pulleys and wearing and cutting edges of machinery with lubricant or rust inhibitor.
   • Drape polyethylene sheeting over bell ends of motor. Tie securely with cord on cylindrical part of motor housing, or fasten with a strong rubber band.

Safety Rules for Farm Clean-up

1. Delay permanent repairs until buildings are thoroughly dry.

2. Spread wet feeds to dry. Avoid feeding wet feeds to livestock unless absolutely necessary.

3. To avoid a fire hazard, move wet hay outside and spread it out to dry.

4. Move livestock to unflooded pastures to prevent disease.

5. Get rid of pests such as rodents, snakes and insects.

6. Promptly dispose of animal carcasses.

7. Disassemble, clean, dry and lubricate farm machinery. Do not start motors or engines until they are cleaned and reconditioned.

8. Clear and open drains, ditches, channels, small streams and tile-drain outlets. Drain floodwater, if possible, from fields.

9. Plug breaks in dikes; use temporary structures to stop breaks and prevent further high water.

10. Clear debris, especially barbed wire and other materials which could be dangerous to livestock, from lots and fields.

11. Avoid overexertion and strain in lifting and moving heavy objects or loads.

12. When using kerosene, keep away from heat, sparks and open flame.