Survey the outside and inside of your barns and other buildings for structural damage, sharp objects, downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or other hazards. Assess the stability and safety.

• Be aware of hazards that may cause injury to you or others cleaning up. These can include chainsaws, electrical or chemical hazards;
• Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards to the police and the utility company;
• Provide clean, uncontaminated water;
• Do not feed flood damaged or moldy feed;
• Dispose of dead carcasses using proper deadstock disposal methods as found in the Deadstock, Mass Mortalities and Disposal section; 
• Check machinery and equipment for damage;
• After winter storms, if excessive snow accumulates on roofs or a roof shows signs of distress, arrange for safe snow removal;
• Clear ice and snow from vents. If mechanically ventilated facilities are not functioning properly, animals could suffocate from lack of oxygen. Open vents to facilitate natural air flow;
• Clear away the snow safely, but also avoid overexertion. Strain from the cold and the hard labor can lead to a heart attack, a major cause of death in the winter. Make sure you have good footing when lifting the snow shovel;
• Take photographs of all damage for insurance or emergency assistance purposes; and
• Contact your insurance agent to report any loses and obtain advice about restoration needs.