Overview
Emergencies and disasters such as barn fires, blizzards or floods are common risks in agricultural communities across Alberta. Being prepared will help you protect your farm animals, livestock and property so you can overcome unexpected situations as quickly as possible.
Know the risks
Identifying the hazards helps you prepare and reduce the impact when sudden events do occur.
Common hazards
Hazards vary depending on where you live, but can include:
- overland flooding from nearby creeks, rivers, canals and lakes
- out of control fires in nearby grasslands, forests, and farm structures such as barns
- severe storms such as extreme wind, tornadoes, heavy rain and blizzards
- hazardous waste spills and the release of dangerous goods
- diseases and/or pests that affect animals and crops
Make a plan
A well thought-out plan can help you respond effectively, protect your animals and property and help you cope with the stress of the emergency or disaster.
Plan considerations
When building your plan consider the following:
- Build a map. Outline the buildings on the property and include key services (power and water sources), access points, equipment locations, and dangerous chemical storage. Post your map in each building.
- Set a meeting place or muster point in case an evacuation is ordered. Make sure everyone knows the locations and ensure that there is feed, water and shelter for any animals you can evacuate. Consider seasonal weather impacts.
- Create safe transportation methods. If possible, practice loading and transporting your animals.
- Ensure animals are visually identified (for example, ear tags, tattoos) whenever possible. Create a file with all animal identification and ownership records.
- Create an emergency contact list. Include neighbours, animal handlers/transporters, veterinarians and feed suppliers. Post in each building.
- Store all records (animal ID, contact lists and site map) onsite, offsite and digitally.
- Work with your local Director of Emergency Management to learn what type of help will be available.
Traceability protects! Register your livestock and poultry with Alberta Agriculture’s Traceability program to help local authorities protect your animals during an emergency.
Know when to stay or go
For your safety, authorities may direct you to shelter in place or evacuate. It is important to follow all directions and to stay informed as the situation and directions can change quickly.
Supplies and kits
Emergencies and disasters can last a few hours, or a few days. It is a good idea to keep enough supplies on hand to last a minimum of 14 days. Store your supplies together in an easy to access place.
Recovery assistance
Recovering from a disaster is difficult. A conditional grant program can provide financial assistance after emergencies and disasters that cause uninsurable loss and damage.
Visit Disaster financial assistance and recovery support for more information.
Financial preparedness
- Speak to an insurance agent about your specific needs.
- Know your insurance policy. Make sure your home, vehicle, business and belongings are protected.
- If possible, consider an emergency savings account to cover temporary expenses while you are out of your home.
- If you can, keep emergency cash handy in case banking services are unavailable.
- If you are evacuated, keep all receipts for additional expenses.
- Make a detailed list of all your belongings.
- Know how to make an insurance claim.
Staying informed
Staying informed during emergencies can save your life. Protect yourself and your loved ones by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive critical, life-saving alerts.
You can also find out more information by contacting your community directly to find out where they post updated information during emergencies.
Resources and translations
Education material you can read, print and download to share online and within your community. Translated versions are also available in українською (Ukrainian), عربي (Arabic), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Deutsch (High German), Plautdietsch (Low German), Español (Spanish), Français (French) and Tagalog (Tagalog).
Video
Do you have an emergency plan for your farm animals and livestock?
You may need to shelter in place or evacuate with your farm animals and livestock in an emergency. Make a plan for both situations.
Helping others
Check with your community to learn how to help others during severe weather events. If you’re concerned for someone’s safety, call:
- 211 if someone is in distress or in an unsafe place
- 911 if they’re unconscious or need medical help
Contact
Connect with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-9000
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]