Disaster Preparedness

Farm disaster preparedness involves having a comprehensive emergency plan that addresses your family, livestock, and operations. 

Develop a Comprehensive Farm Emergency Plan

Map your farm:

Create a map detailing buildings, access routes, gates, fences, locations of livestock, and shut offs for utilities. 

Identify hazards:

Note the locations of hazardous substances like pesticides, fuel, medical supplies veterinary drugs.  

 Plan for evacuation or shelter-in-place:

Determine where you will go and how you will get there if you need to evacuate livestock or your family. 

 Train employees:

Keep all farm employees informed of the plan, including meeting points, emergency contact lists, and evacuation routes. 

Stockpile Essential Supplies

Food and Medical supplies 

Keep non-perishable food and a supply of water for your family and animals along with any non-perishable medical supplies or equipment. 

Fuel and power:

Store fuel for your generator and vehicles in a safe location, away from potential floodwaters. 

Medications and first aid:

Maintain a first aid kit for humans and animals, along with necessary medications and supplies for livestock care. 

Tools and materials:

Stock up on tools like chainsaws, wire cutters, hammers, and materials like tarps, wire, and sandbags. 

Prepare for Livestock

• Identification:

Ensure all livestock have proper identification, such as microchips or ear tags. 

• Vaccinations and records:

Keep vaccinations up-to-date, especially for livestock that may be exposed to floodwaters, and have veterinary records and proof of ownership readily available. 

• Evacuation plan:

Prearrange a destination for your livestock, such as a relative's property, a fairground, or other evacuation sites. 

• Temporary housing:

Identify secure, high-ground locations on or off the farm where livestock can be moved to escape floods. 

Secure Your Property

• Secure large objects:

Secure or move large objects, such as propane tanks, trailers, and fuel tanks, to prevent them from blowing around during high winds. 

• Address drainage:

Clean out culverts, ditches, and other drainage areas to reduce water damage. 

GA Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture (GDA) works with state, federal and industry partners to support the safety and comfort of Georgia citizens, evacuees, and all livestock and companion animals.

GA Department of Agriculture 

Six steps for recovery after a natural disaster 

UGA Extension – Disaster Recovery 

UGA has many research-backed resources to help before, during and after emergency situations. Whether the need is flood clean-up or financial considerations, Extension offers valuable research-based information to support communities preparing and recovering from disasters. Additionally, you'll find related information from governmental and other Extension agencies.

USDA – Disaster Response 

USDA offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses that have been hard hit by natural disaster events. Below you’ll find available FSA programs; visit farmers.gov for additional USDA programs that can help agricultural producers recover.

USDA – Agricultural Disaster Assistance Program

Agriculture is a risky business. USDA is here to help you prepare for and recover from the impacts of natural disasters and market volatility. USDA provides a suite of disaster assistance programs to help offset losses as well as crop insurance and other coverage options to help manage risk and provide a safety net. 

National Weather Service – Flood safety 

Guide on flood safety and preparedness for the family 

State of Georgia – Hurricane Preparedness & Relief 

This page is designed to consolidate relevant, real-time updates and emergency resources for business operations across Georgia throughout impact and recovery in the case of Hurricanes impacting the state.