ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Weather and life on the farm can be very unpredictable, so it is important that we plan for even the most unexpected of circumstances.
Creating an emergency action plan might seem like a time-wasting task, but it could save lives if the unexpected does happen. Take the time to get together with everyone who works on your farm, and start planning. Creating an emergency plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Having just a few key pieces of information can help you create a quick and simple plan.
Here are my quick tips:
-Figure out what emergency situations to plan for. In Minnesota, you should consider planning for tornadoes, floods, severe snowstorms, and fires.
-Create a map of your farm. Include buildings, access routes, and locations of all livestock and any hazardous materials.
-Make lists. List the full inventory of your farm including all livestock, crops, and equipment. Also create a list of emergency contact numbers including your vet, insurance agent, and county emergency management.
-Check on your current status. Know what your emergency supplies are, and what you may still need. Also, call your insurance agent to confirm what your coverage is.
-Create action plans for two scenarios: sheltering in place and evacuation. For sheltering in place, consider your options for backup water and power. For evacuations, think about what escape routes make the most sense.
-Make sure everyone on your farm is aware of the emergency action plan and what their tasks are if it would be put into place. Also, review your plan regularly.
I hope you and your farm are always safe from disaster, but if bad weather or fire does strike, it’s important to be prepared. Having a plan can make the difference between losing it all or saving everything.
— Emily Wilmes, University of Minnesota Extension
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