All businesses are vulnerable to natural disasters, but the agricultural industry faces an elevated risk. Just one event can wipe out an entire season of harvested crops, threaten the well-being of livestock, and cause major property damage. As such, farmers need to have an action plan and adequate insurance in place to help minimize potential losses. Here are a few ways to make sure your farm is prepared ahead of time for whatever situation may arise.

A Farmer’s Guide to Natural Disaster Preparedness 

1. Strategize With Family & Employees 

Whether you experience flooding, fire, a hurricane, or another type of natural disaster, you should have an emergency plan in place. Make sure all your family members and employees are aware of the steps they should take to remain safe, especially if they need to evacuate.

Map out an evacuation route, practice it several times, and designate a meeting spot to ensure everyone knows exactly where to go. Your plan should also include emergency contact numbers and a farm site map that details all the structures on the property, location of your livestock, barriers and access routes, and locations for water, electric, and gas shutoffs. 

2. Make a Plan for Livestock 

Before disaster strikes, you must know what to do with your livestock. If it becomes necessary to evacuate, you want to already have arrangements taken care of.

Otherwise, make sure all housing structures are as durable as possible and that you’re stocked up on food, water, medications, and basic veterinary supplies. Keep livestock tags and branding updated should any animals become lost, and maintain a current inventory for insurance purposes. 

3. Prepare Vehicles & Equipment 

Keep a full tank of gas in all the trucks, tractors, and other movable equipment on your property. This will allow you to leave quickly with some of your more expensive machinery if you have little time to evacuate.

You should also make sure your fuel transfer tank, gas cans, utility trailers, livestock trailers, tarps, and hitches are readily accessible to take with you.

4. Check Your Insurance Coverage 

There are many different types of insurance coverage available to help protect farm properties, crops, livestock, and equipment. It’s vital to review your policy often to make sure you’re appropriately covered.

Some disasters, such as floods, often require a separate policy. You don’t want to discover in the wake of a disaster that you aren’t suitably insured for damages.

If you have any doubts that your current insurance coverage will provide sufficient protection in the event of a disaster, reach out to Nebraska Crop Insurance Agency, Inc. to review your options. They offer a variety of high-quality products designed specifically for farm operations and can assist you in customizing a policy that meets your unique needs. For nearly 40 years, they’ve remained dedicated to helping farmers throughout Gage County, NE, maintain financial security. Call (402) 223-2694 to request a quote, or visit them online for more information on their services.