Be Prepared
When you are faced with an emergency, it’s hard to think straight. The key is to put a plan in place to reduce the need to problem-solve under pressure.
On your farm
- Write a plan that details what must be done when certain types of incidents arise. This plan should be reviewed regularly with everyone who lives on or works at the farm.
- Make multiple copies of this plan. Be sure to keep at least one copy off-site in a safe place that can be easily accessed in the event of an emergency. Keeping a copy on your computer is wise, but you may not have power to retrieve the plan in an emergency, so hard copies are required.
- Prepare and post in a central location:
- A site map that shows where all livestock are housed
- Contact information for all employees
- A generator is a critical piece of equipment for the farm in case of emergency.
- Identify shelter-in-place or evacuation locations.
- Stockpile supplies needed to protect the farm:
- Sandbags and plastic sheeting, in case of flood
- Wire and rope to secure objects
- Lumber and plywood to protect windows
- Extra fuel for tractors and vehicles
- Hand tools for preparation and recovery
- Fire extinguishers in all barns and all self-propelled equipment
- A safe supply of food to feed livestock
When faced with any kind of emergency
- Remain calm.
- Use your plan!
- Prioritize what needs to be done depending on the type of emergency you are facing. In some cases, family comes first; in other cases, animals come first; in still other cases, equipment and computer systems may come first.
- Once you have been able to take care of the critical tasks on your farm, you will be able to find out what you can do to help your neighbours and local community.
Let us help
If you’re not sure about the coverage you have for emergencies, ask your Broker for a review of your policy. As well, talk to your Broker about having one of Grenville Mutual’s Risk Assessment Specialists visit to identify situations that might cause damage or potential loss to your home and farm operation.
For more information and resources to assist your emergency planning, visit: