Hurricane Emergency Management Information for Livestock Producers

Hurricane Preparation Tips 
for Livestock Producers 

Hurricanes are always are real threat to Florida each fall.  Most Floridians have some experience with hurricanes, but very few of us are truly prepared for a direct hit by a really strong storm.  Livestock producers have learned some real hard lessons in recent years from Hurricanes Andrew and Charley. 

Loss of Power
At the very least livestock producers in rural areas can expect power outages following a hurricane.  In rural areas, power may not be restored for 1-2 weeks.  This can cause some real problems for livestock owners. 

q       Move animals to pastures with ponds so well filled water troughs are not the only source of water.

q       Dairy farms should have enough generator power so that cows can be milked each day.

q       For operations that rely on electric fencing, you should have a generator ready to keep the fence hot or at least move animals to interior pastures so they have multiple fences to help keep them in.

q       Have enough hay and feed on hand for 1-2 weeks (Feed stores may not have power either.) 

High Winds
Coastal areas normally receive the highest winds as a hurricane comes ashore, but even 50-70 mile per hour winds can create some real problems for livestock producers.  Barns and fences are very susceptible to fallen trees and limbs from even tropical storm force winds.  Tornadoes are also common in rural areas as storms move through. 

q       Move animals and valuable equipment out of barns.  Most agricultural barns are not made to withstand more than 75 mile per hour winds with out some damage.  Metal roofing material falling and flying around can be deadly.  Normally open fields or pastures are much safer for both animals and equipment.  Animals out in the open have a way of avoiding danger most of the time.

q       Move animals to interior pastures so there are multiple fences between animals and the highway or neighbors.

q       Small trees and large limbs will create holes in fences when they fall.  Have chainsaws and fencing supplies ready to go to clean up perimeter fences following a storm.

q       Identify cattle and horses so that if they do wander out of your property, you can be notified of their whereabouts.  Halters or collars and luggage tags can be used for horses.  If nothing else is available, spray paint your name and phone number on cattle or horses, so they can be returned to you following a storm. 

Flooding
Tropical storms and hurricanes can generate 3-15 inches of rain in just a few hours.  

q       Move animals out of low lying pastures or at least tie the gates open so they can move to higher ground if need be. 

q       Have enough hay on hand to feed for two weeks in case grass runs short from low areas being flooded. 

Clean up and Repairs
Notification and documentation are the keys to getting financial aide following a storm. 

q       Contact insurance agencies as soon as possible for buildings that are insured.  

q       Report any damages to the local Farm Service Agency within 15 days of the storm to be eligible   
     for federal disaster aide. 

q  Document damage and repair expenses.  Photographs of damages and receipts for   
     services and materials will be very important as well for applying for insurance claims     
     and federal disaster aide.  Any purchased feed or veterinary expenses should be 
     recorded as well.

Links with Hurricane information for livestock producers

Hurricane Aftermath Information

Hotlines

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Registration: 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) TTY: 1-800-462-7585
• State of Florida Emergency Information 24-hour hotline (FEIL): 1-800-342-3557
• State Volunteer and Donations Hotline: 1-800-FL-HELP1 (1-800-354-3571)
• Elder Affairs: 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)
• Florida Power and Light: 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243)
• Department of Financial Services Insurance Claim Hotline: 1-800-22-STORM (1-800-227-8676)
• Attorney General's Price Gouging Hotline: (1-800-646-0444)
• Agricultural and Consumer Services Price Gouging Hotline: 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352)
• Agency for Workforce Innovation Unemployment Claims Emergency Internet Site or Call (1-800-204-2418)
• Salvation Army Donation Helpline: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• American Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-435-7669)
• American Red Cross Food, Shelter, and Financial Assistance: 1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636)

IMPORTANT STATE AGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Keep these phone numbers handy for easy reference

 PRICE GOUGING

Florida Attorney General

(800) 646 – 0444

Florida Dept. Agriculture and Consumer Services

(800) HELP FLA
(800) 435 - 7352

 SCAMS

Florida Attorney General

(800) 646 – 0444

Florida Dept. Agriculture and Consumer Services

(800) HELP FLA
(800) 435 – 7352

Dept. Financial Services

(800) 227 – 8676

CHECK ON BUILDING CONTRACTOR AND OTHER LICENSES

Dept of Business Practice Regulations

(850) 487 – 1395

INSURANCE RELATED QUESTIONS

Florida Dept of Insurance

(800) 342 - 2762