The Importance of Emergency
Response Planning

 

Disasters can happen anywhere and anytime. This can include: barn fires, hazardous material spills, disease outbreaks, extreme isolated weather occurrences, prolonged power outages, gas leaks, personal injuries and train derailments, to name a few.

 

Emergency preparedness is important for all animals, but it is particularly important for livestock and poultry farms. Due to the number of birds on the farm and the requirements needed to shelter and transport them; planning is key. It is imperative that farmers be prepared to protect their animals in an emergency, whether it be emergency evacuation or by managing the emergency condition on-farm. Evacuation of poultry barns is rarely a practical option, instead the focus should be on building and preparing the farm premise and barn to withstand the emergency. A quick response by employees and family members following the emergency is critical for the bird’s survival.