As the state begins to see wildfire outbreaks, Texas A&M Forest Service urges farmers and ranchers to exercise extreme caution and take measures to protect against potential fire hazards that could end up causing loss of livestock, land and crops.
Measures include:
-Installing and maintaining fire alarms in all buildings and barns.
-Place fire extinguishers in every building and check them regularly to ensure they are charged and aren’t rusted or damaged, and don’t have debris blocking the nozzle.
-Make and practice an evacuation plan that includes relocating animals and livestock that may be in danger.
-Keep property clear of trash and combustible material.
-Create noncombustible areas around spaces where equipment, fuel and hay are located.
-Move any aboveground fuel storage tanks at least 40 feet away from buildings.
-Make sure the property has access to an adequate water supply such as an irrigation ditch, cistern, tank or pond.
-Park tractors and equipment away from combustible materials.
Texas is home to nearly 300,000 farms and ranches. Livestock production is a huge portion of the economy; not being prepared for a disaster can be costly to both lives and property.
Evacuating livestock during a wildfire requires rapid action, planning, and safety precautions. Key strategies include pre-loading animals, using designated, clean, and well-ventilated evacuation routes, and ensuring animals have proper identification. If evacuation is impossible, open gates and turn animals into large, grazed-down areas or plowed fields away from structures.
During an emergency, always evacuate early.
Level 1 (be ready) – move animals closer to loading areas, ensure trailers are hooked up and check fuel.
Level 2 (be set) - Begin transporting, especially highneed or hard-to-load animals. In the event the choice is made to evacuate with livestock, it is important to locate a safe place out of the affected area, either with family, friends, or a shelter location. Also determining an evacuation route as well as alternate routes in case they are needed and ensure the vehicle and trailer are in acceptable condition for a long-distance trip. Bring extra fuel and a livestock disaster kit.
Livestock disaster supplies include a waterproof container to store feed and equipment; a week’s supply of feed, copies of veterinary records, breed registry and ownership papers, an emergency contact list, first aid kit, diet and medication instructions, hoof knife, nippers, pick and rasp, leather or cotton halters and lead ropes, and maps of local area with possible evacuation routes.
Remember to post evacuation plans and contact information in several places around the home and barns.
Posting this information allows anyone who checks the property, such as search and rescue teams, to know that the area was evacuated and people are safe.
When re-entering a disaster area, be aware that road conditions may block the affected area for some time as well as prevent help from reaching you. Follow all directions provided by local, state and or federal emergency responders. Be aware that power outages may not be remedied for days after a disaster, installing a generator and keeping a one week supply of fuel can help prevent production losses as day-to-day operations resume.