Article

Hello, everyone!

There never seems to be enough time or money to prepare for everything on a farm or homestead. Equipment repairs, property improvements, emergency veterinary bills and countless other expenses all compete for financial priority. It is easy to become consumed by immediate needs and lose sight of important issues that may not seem urgent today.

Emergency preparedness is one of those areas that often gets overlooked. Taking the time and investing a little money in emergency planning can save you significant expenses in the future and may even save a life. Most farmers would rather spend money on a new piece of equipment than on fire extinguishers to protect that equipment. But how many of us have adequate fire extinguishers throughout the farm or homestead?

Preparing for a fire emergency

The size and type of extinguisher needed will depend on your operation. If you are unsure what is appropriate, start a conversation with your local fire department. They can recommend suitable equipment and may even be willing to visit your property and conduct a safety assessment.

Preparing for a weather emergency

While fires are among the most common farm emergencies, they are far from the only threat we face. Severe weather has become increasingly unpredictable, often bringing stronger storms and greater impacts. Weather radios, generators, fuel, batteries, flashlights and other emergency supplies can make a significant difference when severe weather strikes. A comprehensive emergency preparedness checklist is available from the National Weather Service.

Preparing for a livestock emergency

Livestock owners face additional considerations. Having equipment available to safely contain and transport animals is critical during an emergency. In the event of a barn fire, getting livestock out of danger is the immediate priority, but those animals also will need a secure place to go. Portable corral panels and temporary fencing can be valuable investments, both during emergencies and for everyday management.

If those investments are not currently feasible, consider working with your neighbors. Creating a community inventory of available resources and developing a shared emergency response plan can help everyone be better prepared when emergencies occur.

Unfortunately, not all emergencies can be prevented. Whether the situation involves a barn fire, escaped livestock, storm damage or another unexpected event, recovery often includes working with insurance companies. The worst time to discover gaps in your coverage is after an emergency.

Check insurance coverage in advance

it a habit to meet with your insurance agent annually and clearly discuss all activities taking place on your farm. A dedicated farm policy that includes liability coverage often provides greater protection than a standard homeowners policy. It is also important to understand that some homeowners policies may exclude agricultural activities altogether. Again, this is a conversation worth having with your insurance agent.

Insurance is one of the first lines of defense for your farm business, so take the time to fully understand what your policy covers, as well as its limitations.

Sometimes, the farm itself can become the source of an emergency. Escaped livestock can create serious road hazards, chemical or fuel spills can contaminate soil and waterways, and farm equipment operating on public roads can put motorists at risk. Understanding the risks associated with farming and taking steps to reduce or eliminate those risks is ultimately the responsibility of every farmer.

Preparation may not be as exciting as purchasing new equipment, but when an emergency occurs, it can be one of the best investments you ever make.

Stay safe!

Submitted by Lee Beers, the extension educator, agriculture and natural resources at the Ohio State University Extension. He can be reached by email.

OFBF Mission: Working together with Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.