Emergency Plans and Winter Plans for those with Animals

When you have chickens, horses, cows, pigs, goats or other outdoor animals, it is important to prepare for the winter months.  At the same time,  it is also important to have a plan to take care of the animals in the event of an emergency.  

I realized that many of the things that I need to address on my ranch for our upcoming Colorado winter are also addressed in emergency planning.  So this year, I am going to try to work on both at the same time.   This year, I am also putting my emergency plan in writing.   That will allow others to know what needs to be done in the event that I'm not present at the time the "crisis" erupts.         

For starters, if you are wanting to purchase a country property, farm or ranch  in Colorado this fall,  be sure to carefully consider what is going to be required to make the land, barns and/or shelters workable and livable this winter.       

Things to include in an emergency plan:  

The Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) certification organization requires farmers and ranchers that they certify to have an emergency plan.  In the list below, I've used their requirments of things they require in emergency plans as a very basic outline.   

1.  Fire: 

     a.  If animals are kept in a barn or building with restricted access, what are the escape routes that will be used to evacuate animals?

     b.  How will the animals be removed from stalls/pens?  (For example, will halters be needed for horses?  Are they in reach?) 

     b. What methods are readily available to extinguish the fire?  (Fire extinguishers, water hydrants....)

     c. What fire prevention measures are in place.  (For example, is direct access to electrical wires and heat heat sources prevented? ) 

     d.  If an evacuation is required, are the horses trained to load?  Are loading chutes available?  Will additional trailers or multiple trips be required?  

2.  Disruption of Services or Mechanical Breakdowns:  

      This will be dependent on what is utilized for your animals.  For example, my laying hens have very different requirements than the pigs and/or horses.  

      a.  Water?  What will you do if you lose your water supply for one day or one week?

      b.  Electric?  

      c.  Gas/Propane or other heat source?

      d.  Mechanical breakdowns - automatic waterers, feeders, etc.  

3.  Animal Welfare in Potential Climate Extremes:  

       For Colorado, this could include floods, snow storms and prolonged drought.  

       Snow storms - Consider is sufficient feed and hay on hand in the event roads are closed?  

                                  Will all animals have adequate shelter? 

                                  If snow drifts are a problem, is necessary equipment available to clear paths and to get the doors open?   

4.  Welfare During Transport:

      What if there is a break down?

      What if it is extremely hot or cold?  

      What if there is an accident?  

 This list of ideas is by no means comprehensive.  However, I hope it will get you thinking about what you need to do to get ready for the upcoming winter.  I also hope that it will also get you thinking about the emergency planning.  

Sincerely, 

Sondra Meyer, CPA

Star View Real Estate