Owner`s manual

Protecting Livestock During a Flood
GUIDELINES FOR SAFE SHELTER AND EVACUATION
Unconfined livestock can usually
take care of themselves during
floods. Do not let them become
trapped in low-lying pens. A
number of safety precautions, as
outlined at right, can be taken
for animals housed in barns
during a flood. Above all, be
sure animals are evacuated
before floodwaters enter barns
and other enclosed livestock
areas. Animals sometimes refuse
to leave during a rapid rise of
water and may drown.
Additional resources:
Weather-reporting services, such as the
National Weather Service, to predict the
severity of flooding; your local
emergency government office; your
county agricultural agent
KEEPING LIVESTOCK HIGH AND DRY
In broad, level flood plains where floodwaters are seldom deeper than 3 or
4 feet, you may need to construct mounds of soil on which livestock can
stay until floodwaters recede. Try to locate the mounds where they will not
be washed away by fast-flowing water.
THINK ESSENTIALS, SAFETY IN BARNS
♦ Provide feed and water. Water is essential. Thirsty animals will try to
break out to get to floodwaters. If clean water is in short supply, limit
feed intake.
♦ If animals are housed with machinery, fasten bales of straw in front
of sharp edges and protruding parts such as cutter bars or crank
handles. (Do not use hay, because animals will eat it.) Try to cover
wooden paddle wheels on combines or choppers, since these parts can
be dangerous.
♦ Block off narrow passageways where animals would be unable to turn
around. A few heavy animals in a narrow dead end can be dangerous
both to themselves and the building.
♦ Be absolutely certain that herbicides, pesticides and treated seeds are
not even remotely accessible to livestock, and are stored where
floodwater will not contaminate livestock feed or water.
♦ Turn off electricity at the main switch. Livestock could damage
electric fixtures, causing fires or electrocutions.
♦ If there is a possibility that dairy barns may become inundated, drive
cattle out of the barn. During rapid rise of water, cattle often refuse
to leave the barn and may drown inside if the water rises high
enough. For this reason, begin evacuation measures before a state of
emergency.
Information from: University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Service
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension