Emergency Planning Should Include
Exterior Property Maintenance

By Danielle Gorski

You don’t want to be caught unprepared when a natural disaster hits. It can be devastating for you, your family, your pets, and your livestock.

Pets are vulnerable to storms and bad weather, too, so it’s important to take precautions and create an emergency plan for exterior property maintenance that includes your family, your pets, and your livestock.

1. Secure Fences and Barns

Inspect fences to ensure the fencing will hold in bad weather conditions. High winds can blow down fences, and livestock could get loose, so make sure all fences are sturdy and secure. Loose or weakened sections should be repaired or reinforced before a storm.

Close barn doors and make sure they are tightly secured and won’t blow open in high winds. Reinforce all barns, stables, houses, and any other buildings on your property.

Remove all barbed wire. If you must leave livestock behind, leave them in safely enclosed in fenced areas.

2. Inspect Building Exteriors

Regular building inspections help prevent damage caused by weather emergencies. Here are some things you can do to keep your property ready for an emergency:

  • Inspect your roof for damage
  • Clean debris from the gutters to prevent roof leaks
  • Trim tree branches that are too close to the house or barn
  • Install secure latches on barn doors

    Check the exterior of all buildings for cracks, rotted wood, or any other damage. Weak spots might cave in during high winds, flooding, or earthquakes.

    Reinforce weakened or damaged spots. Repair missing shingles or patches of bare roofing. A damaged roof lets in rainwater and reduces the structural integrity of houses or barns, especially when bad weather hits.

    3. Protect Low-Lying Areas from Flooding

    1. Here are some ways to prevent flooding in low-lying areas on your property:

  • Install drainage systems
  • Prevent erosion
  • Seal cracks or leaks where water could get in
  • Use sandbag barriers to protect your home and barns

    To prepare for flooding, move fencing to give livestock access to higher ground. Keep livestock away from low-lying areas. To decrease the potential for damage or injury caused by floating objects, secure objects that can be swept away in floodwaters.

    Aeration and dethatching help reduce flooding on your property, since it makes it easier for the soil to absorb water and helps your lawn recover from flooding.

    4. Provide Pets With Food and Water Sources

    If you must leave your pets or livestock behind when you evacuate, provide all animals with access to food and water during the storm. Give them enough food and water to last at least 3 days.

    5. Remove Any Loose Objects

    Loose objects can become dangerous projectiles in high winds when flying debris strikes livestock or smashes windows. Secure large objects and move loose objects indoors, including lawn ornaments, tools, equipment, outdoor furniture, toys, or other objects that may blow away.

    Fill water and hay containers before windy weather blows through to keep empty bins from blowing away in strong winds.

    6. Create Evacuation Plans for Livestock and Pets

    Pets and livestock need shelter during an emergency, so pick a location where you can take your pets and livestock for shelter in an evacuation. Many shelters do not allow pets inside, so ask a relative or friend if they are willing to house your animals in an emergency.

    Plan multiple routes for evacuation in case one route is blocked by traffic, flooding, or other impediments. Your evacuation spot should have enough food and water for your livestock and pets, as well as medical supplies and access to veterinary care.

    Prepare your vehicle and trailer in advance. Check the tires, the tire pressure, brakes, and inspect the trailer and vehicle for damage. You may need to rent a trailer if you do not own one.

    Practice loading and unloading your horses or cattle, so when an emergency arises, you can load them up quickly.

    You may need supplies such as pet carriers, leashes, halters, bridles, or leads. Pet crates should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around. Train pets and livestock to be accustomed to leashes, harnesses, and crates to keep them calm during an emergency.

    Everyone involved in the emergency plan should understand their role in evacuating before a disaster strikes.

    Emergency Preparation Starts with Exterior Property Maintenance

    Staying prepared in the event of an emergency extends to exterior property maintenance. Keeping your property well-maintained and ready to weather extreme climates or natural disasters is important for the safety of you, your family, your pets, and your livestock.

    And when a storm is coming your way, you want to take action to protect your property and the animals living on your land.

    Danielle Gorski, who owns two dogs (Shetland sheepdogs) and a pet rabbit, creates informative articles on lawn care and outdoor living. Her favorite part about her yard is decorating it for the holiday season.


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