WSDA Blog

As we approach flood season, it's important to take proactive steps to protect your farm, animals, and yourself from the impact of this natural disaster. Washington state's diverse geography and weather patterns make it more prone to flooding, and farmers and ranchers are uniquely affected by these events. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a flood.

Before a flood

Before a flood, it is essential to understand your risk and walk through what you would need to do in an emergency and have a plan. By talking with your neighbors or checking flood maps, you can determine if your property is in a flood-prone area. Identify high ground that you could move animals or equipment too when waters rise. Taking the time to prepare a plan, having a livestock emergency kit, and animal identification can make a significant difference when disaster strikes. It’s also a good time to review and update your crop, livestock and flood insurance policies to safeguard against future losses.
 
Create a Plan: Develop and practice an emergency plan for evacuating livestock, knowing when and where to go and how you will get to the evacuation site. Talk with friends, family and neighbors to determine who can help you.

Emergency Supplies: Livestock will need a grab and go emergency kit just like people do! Keep 3 days of supplies such as food, water, medications, and important veterinary documents in a waterproof container and have it ready to go in case of evacuation.

During a flood

During a flood, having a well-thought-out evacuation plan is crucial. Ensure your vehicles are ready to roll should you need to evacuate, monitor flood alerts in your area, and take steps to ensure you have a way to provide fresh water to animals even if the power goes out. Remember it is never safe to drive through flooded roadway, don’t wait, play it safe and leave early.

Monitor Flood Alerts: Stay informed about weather conditions and flood warnings issued by local authorities and have a NOAA Weather Radio or reliable source of information handy to receive updates in real-time.
Protect utilities by turning off power to areas inundated by flood water. Secure fuel tanks or other floatables to prevent them from drifting or rupturing during flooding.

After a flood

After floodwaters recede, it is important to assess, document, and photograph the damage prior to initiating cleanup and repair efforts.

Livestock are particularly vulnerable during floods, facing risks such as loss of shelter, drowning, health hazards from lack of or contaminated feed and water, stress, injuries, and reproductive issues. Monitor animals closely and don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet to see if there any additional concerns or illness that can arise post flood.

Floods can also damage fencing, allowing livestock to escape, posing additional risks to animals. It is crucial to address fencing damage promptly to safeguard livestock and prevent further complications. By staying proactive and informed, farmers and ranchers can better protect their assets and ensure the well-being of their animals during times of crisis.

As we tackle the challenges of flooding in Washington state, it’s crucial that we work together to ensure the safety of our land and livestock. By adhering to the recommended tips and guidelines, we can effectively prepare for and respond to floods, reducing their impact on our agricultural sector and building resilience in the face of adversity.