Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Farmers

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the Hurricane Beryl continues to strengthen as it moves westerly into the Caribbean.

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority is issuing the following hurricane preparedness tips for farmers:

Crops and Fruit Trees
o Reap mature crops where possible
o Clear drains
o Remove irrigation lines and equipment and store in areas secure from damage
o Establish protected seedling production centers for early replanting after hurricane
o Check your surroundings for danger from fallen electrical wires, trees, pesticide spills, dead animals etc.
o Cut back tree brunches and open the canopy so wind passes through readily thus reducing the level of damage during the storm

Pesticides
o Stock adequate quantities of fungicides where you have plants that are susceptible to fungal/ bacterial diseases and are likely to need treatments after event.
o Herbicides are also may be needed to control weeds that will build-up after the rains associated with hurricane.
o Collect all pesticides in stock and place in a secure, dry area protected from wind/rain and away from animals, food/feed and persons.

Livestock

oKeep current list of all animals. Make sure that you have proof of ownership for all animals. If you have no written records, take updated pictures of all your animals and store with important papers in case an animal should get separated from you during a disaster.

o Have basic first aid kit for your animals.

o Keep trucks, tractors, and similar equipment fueled and ready to use at a moment’s notice. If you plan to move livestock, make arrangements as soon as possible after learning of the approaching storm.

o If large livestock can’t be evacuated, turn them loose in larger pastures or pens on high ground

o Never leave your livestock in closed livestock housing. If the livestock housing is damaged by wind, the animals could be injured or killed.

o Keep livestock feed, hay, tack, medicine, and other livestock supplies stored in locations that will withstand rising water and high wind.

o Have enough livestock feed on hand for at least a week, and the same amount of water

o Make sure housing, food, and supplies for small animals such as chickens and rabbits are storm ready and able to withstand high winds and rising water.

o Smaller animals can be brought indoors if necessary.

o Build temporary pens in a garage.