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Tips for farmers, animal owners to prepare for storm season

Hurricane Preparedness Week May 26 to June 1
May 26, 2013

With hurricane season about to begin, Delaware agricultural authorities are urging farmers and pet owners to plan ahead and prepare for weather emergencies. Hurricane Preparedness Week begins May 26, as hurricane season begins June 1.

“Preparing and acting early can save animals’ lives,” said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee. “The time to take action is now, before storms create disaster conditions.”

The Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Animal Response Program works with state emergency officials and animal welfare organizations to assist animal owners with preparation, sheltering in place and evacuation.

“Owners have a responsibility to care for all of their animals, and should be taking steps now to make sure they are safe,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Heather Hirst, whose Poultry and Animal Health section includes the DAR program. “Though we have been relatively lucky in recent years, we have still seen animals injured and even killed during storm situations. Preparedness is better than relying on luck.”

The Department of Agriculture recommends that animal owners take the following precautions:

Livestock and small flock owners

Check and secure all buildings and enclosures. Repair or secure loose boards, doors, window covers, metal sheeting, wire and equipment that could blow around in high winds.

Provide water and food. Have enough food and water on hand for seven days. Move feed to higher ground to prevent mold contamination from flooding.

Mark animals. Identifiers for returning lost animals could include ear tags with farm name and phone numbers, brands, paint markings on hooves or coats, or clipped initials in hair coats. Leg bands can be used for backyard poultry.

Stock up on supplies. Make sure basic veterinary supplies are on hand and that livestock are current on vaccinations.

Study evacuation options. Determine several locations that the animals could be taken in an evacuation and map out several routes to each location. Make arrangements in advance with owners to accept animals, and be sure to contact them before taking the animals there. It is best to evacuate at the first recommendation to do so.

Choose indoor sheltering or outdoor enclosed areas. Check on structure strength for indoor shelters. If animals will be moved outdoors, survey property to find best location. Do not let animals become trapped in low-lying pens; give them enough space to move around to avoid blowing debris and make sure the areas are clear of overhead power lines or poles.

Poultry

The Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc., recommends that commercial poultry growers take steps that include the following:

Check your back-up generator. Make sure you have fuel for several days, and that automatic starting systems are ready to go.

Check propane gas. Check supply and arrange an early delivery if necessary.

Check feed inventory. Arrange for an early delivery if necessary.

Have a backup communications plan. Make sure cell phones are fully charged in case land-line telephone service is lost.

Think long term. Be prepared to keep birds for longer than normal if processing plants are unable to operate. Make plans for larger-than-normal carcass disposal if necessary.

Check with poultry company or flock supervisor regularly during any emergency situation.

Pets

Make a disaster kit. Pets should have waterproof kits as well. Include medical records, vaccination history, medications and dosages, current photographs, veterinarian contact information, documentation of any behavior problems, alternate contact information, first-aid kit, leashes, collars, harnesses or muzzles with identification tags, a pet carrier, food and water bowls, litter pans, toys, blankets and food and water for at least seven days, with a can opener.

Update vaccinations.

Microchip pets and have microchip identification numbers in disaster kit.

Have an evacuation plan. Designated Delaware emergency shelters now offer housing for pets at or near human shelters. Bring pet disaster kit along, including food and water, visit regularly and oversee day-to-day care. Owners should also have a list of other locations where they can evacuate with their pets, such as relatives, pet shelters or pet-friendly motels or hotels.

Key tips are also available at http://dda.delaware.gov/storm_preparedness.shtml.

Other sources of information:
 Hurricane Preparedness Week: www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/. Delaware Emergency Management Agency: dema.delaware.gov. Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov.

 

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