Written By Charley Maxwell
Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. You may be thinking that we could really use a hurricane to get us out of this drought. While a hurricane can bring substantial rainfall and storm surges, it is important to remember that hurricanes are actually considered wind events. The speed of the wind, in mph, is what classifies the weather event as a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane. This distinction becomes very important when insurance and government assistance come into play. Any flooding or water damage brought by the hurricane often has to be handled separately and may be excluded from hurricane insurance policies and relief programs.
Whether this is your first hurricane season ever, or you consider yourself a seasoned pro, it’s important to take each storm seriously. Complacency can result in devastation. Whether Jim Cantore is planning to come to town or not, prepare for each storm like it’s “the big one.” Below are 10 simple steps to make sure your farm, family, and land can be resilient during storm season.
1. Review Your Insurance Coverage Early
Don’t wait until a hurricane is in the forecast. Contact your insurance provider before storm season begins to understand exactly what your policies cover. Review crop, livestock, property, and equipment coverage and make sure your records are up to date.
2. Create an Emergency Contact List
Keep a current list of important contacts in an easily accessible location. Include local emergency management offices, veterinarians, utility companies, insurance agents, neighbors, family members, and Extension personnel. A printed copy can be invaluable if power or internet service is lost.
3. Map Your Farm
A detailed farm map can save valuable time during an emergency. Include buildings, roads, gates, fences, livestock locations, utility shutoffs, hazardous material storage areas, and safety equipment. Make sure family members and employees know where to find the map.
4. Document Your Property Before the Storm
Take photos and videos of buildings, equipment, livestock, crops, and infrastructure immediately before a storm. These records can be critical when filing insurance claims and documenting losses.
5. Check Your Inventory
Evaluate supplies before hurricane season. Make sure you have adequate feed, fuel, medications, fencing supplies, generators, batteries, and other essential materials. Supply chains may be disrupted for days or weeks after a major storm.
6. Prepare Backup Power and Lighting
Inspect generators, test equipment, and stock sufficient fuel. Ensure flashlights, batteries, and portable lighting are available and working properly. Reliable power can be essential for livestock operations, irrigation systems, and refrigeration.
7. Clean Up Around the Farm
Remove debris and secure loose items that could become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Trim damaged tree limbs, secure equipment, and store movable items indoors whenever possible.
8. Update Farm Records
Keep copies of production records, inventories, insurance documents, financial records, and livestock information. Store digital copies in a secure cloud location and maintain hard copies in a waterproof container.
9. Store Chemicals Safely
Protect fertilizers, pesticides, fuels, and other hazardous materials from flooding and storm damage. Secure containers properly and ensure storage areas meet safety recommendations to prevent environmental contamination.
10. Act Quickly After the Storm
Once conditions are safe, assess damage across the farm. Document losses with photos and notes before beginning major cleanup activities. Contact insurance providers, USDA offices, and other assistance programs as soon as possible to begin the recovery process.
A hurricane preparedness plan is an investment in your farm’s resilience. Taking time now to organize records, secure facilities, and develop emergency procedures can help protect your operation, reduce losses, and speed recovery when severe weather strikes. Sometimes, relief from government programs can be delayed by months or years. If you experienced damage from Hurricane Helene, please look into the South Carolina Disaster Relief Block Grant for Helene.
Feeling overwhelm from all of this information? Contact your closest Agribusiness Extension Agent, and we will help!
