Severe Storms and Floods

Cold weather and severe storms can impact both animal and human health. Wind chill and prolonged cold increases an animal's need for shelter, food, and water. Severe weather and flooding events have the potential to cause catastrophic loss of life and property as well as financial, crop, and environmental damage to local communities.
 
Animals may be displaced and need temporary sheltering, feeding, and care. They may also be injured or diseased and need veterinary attention.

Report damage to farms, crops, or livestock to your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Office (USDA FSA). The USDA FSA manages several disaster assistance programs for farmers and ranchers.

Below are some resources that may assist in preparing for and recovering from winter storm and flooding events:

1. Low-lying pens trap livestock. In areas where floodwaters are less than 4 feet deep, build mounds of soil so livestock have a safe spot until flood waters recede. For hogs, build mounds from bales of hay. Be sure to build mounds where they will not wash away by fast-flowing water.
2. Provide feed and water for the livestock. Thirsty animals will try to break out to get to flood waters. If water is in short supply, ration livestock's feed intake.
3. Attach bales of straw to machinery in front of sharp edges and protruding parts like cutter bars or crank handles to protect any animals housed with the equipment. Do not use hay for this purpose because animals will eat it.
4. Cover wooden paddle wheels on combines or choppers. These parts can be dangerous if partially broken.
5. Block narrow passageways where animals would be unable to turn around and become trapped, creating a danger to themselves and the buildings where they are housed.
6. Store herbicides, pesticides, medicated feeds, and treated seeds where floodwaters will not cause them to contaminate livestock feed or water.
7. Block livestock access to areas where pesticides and feed are stored.
8. Turn off electricity at the main switch. Livestock could damage electric fixtures, causing fires or electrocutions.
9. If dairy barns become flooded, drive cattle out of the barn. During the rapid rise of water, cattle often refuse to leave a barn and may drown if the water rises high enough in the barn.
10. When flooding is over, remove wet hay from barns as soon as possible to prevent spontaneous hay combustion (see WSU Extension for additional details).

Floods and Your Livestock, The Center for Food Security and Public Health
Winter Storms and Your Pets/Livestock, The Center for Food Security and Public Health
Thunderstorms and Your Pets/Livestock,  The Center for Food Security and Public Health