Agricultural Damage Assessment and Resources for the Coming Storm

I sincerely hope that each of you are getting prepared for what is projected to be a Serious Winter Storm.   

If you live in Virginia's P.D. 7 - My co-workers, Mark Sutphin, Bobby Clark and I are responsible for providing agricultural damage assessment and situational updates to local, regional and state Emergency Operations Authorities.  Due to the serious and wide spread nature of this storm system, I have a a couple of requests:

 

Please take this seriously and Prepare for the storm (farm and family) as best you can - be watchful of damages and or loss caused to agricultural related items such as livestock, horses, barns/structures, fencing, equipment, greenhouses, etc. – If you have losses like these  please let one of us know.

 

Also, If you know of someone in your area that experiences losses as described please contact one of us.  We will do all that we can to help.

 

I also wanted to share with you some resources that have been passed around in various forms and additional information just in case you need it. 

 

1. PREPARE FOR A POWER OUTAGE
   Heavy snow and high winds are a recipe for widespread power outages. Prepare a plan now before a possible outage.
   • Learn how you can use alternative heat sources and generators safely.
   • Have an Emergency Preparedness Kit with three days of food, water, prescription
   medications and other supplies ready.
   • Consider obtaining a NOAA Weather Radio to stay abreast of current weather conditions.
2. PREVENT ROOF COLLAPSE
   If heavy snow begins to accumulate on your roof, remove the snow with a snow rake and a long extension arm that will allow you to remove the snow while standing safely on the ground.
3. STAY SAFE AND WARM
   Inspect your source of heat for any damage which can cause a fire and result in costly property damage. Also, remove combustible items placed near a heat source.
4. PREVENT FROZEN PIPES
   Prevent costly water damage caused by frozen pipes by:
   • providing a reliable back-up power source
   • insulating all attic penetrations
   • ensuring proper seals on all doors and windows
   • sealing all cracks and openings in exterior walls
5. KNOW YOUR WINTER WEATHER ALERTS
   When severe winter weather is on its way, it’s important you know and understand what each alert means so you can respond accordingly.

 

Contact Information:

 

• Report power outages, downed power lines, etc.
• Dominion – (1-866-366-4357) https://www.dom.com/residential/dominion-virginia-power/outage-center/report-and-check-outages
• Rappahannock Electric Coop  – (1- 800-552-3904) https://www.myrec.coop/wss1/index.cfm?event=RptOutage
• NOVEC  – (1- 888-335-0500) https://www.novec.com/forms2/acctsigninform.cfm?type=outage
• Check road conditions: www.511virginia.org
• Winter Driving Tips: http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/faq-winterdrive.asp
• Winter weather tips: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/winter
• Get the Ready Virginia Mobile App: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/additional-resources/mobileapp
• Other Emergency Information Links
• www.ReadyVirginia.gov
• General Emergency Planning Tips: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/makeaplan
• Tips for Seniors: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit/older
• Power Outage Tips: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/blackouts
• VDEM Winter Weather Videos:
• Stay Safe & Warm - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AmF-cBtXpo
• Make a Car Emergency Kit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPgvWgtiWHI
• Tips for dealing with extreme cold:
• Wear cold weather appropriate clothing like gloves/mittens, hats, scarves and snow boots. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting clothing and cover your face and mouth if possible.
• Be aware of the wind chill factor. Wind can cause body-heat loss.
• Stay dry, and if you become wet, head indoors and remove any wet clothing immediately.
• Limit your time outdoors.
• Make sure you monitor the time your children are out in the cold.
• Do not ignore shivering. It's an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
• If the heat in your home doesn’t work properly, contact your local government to find a warming center near you.
• Check on others who might not be able to care for themselves.
• Tips for keeping pets safe -- http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit/pets

 

 

Thank you and Please Stay Safe!

 

 

C. Corey Childs

Unit Coordinator - Agriculture Extension Agent

Warren County Extension Unit

220 N. Commerce Avenue

Front Royal, Virginia  22630

Cell: 540-692-4075

Office: 540-635-4549

Equine management in Cold Weather Events

With the imminent winter weather upon us, the following tips are friendly reminders to help ensure the health and welfare of your horses:

 

• Water is the most essential nutrient for horses. A safe and adequate water supply should be provided free choice 24/7. Horses require at least 7 to 10 gallons of water per day to avoid adverse health effects such as dehydration and colic. Prevent access to frozen ponds as horses may fall through ice seeking water. Streams should not be counted on as a sole water source. If using tank heaters or de-icers, ensure they are functioning properly. Make sure you have a back up plan if there is a loss of electricity or pipes freeze. Wells cannot pump water, electric de-icers will not work, and some automatic water troughs will not work without power. 
• Hay and feed are critical to meet nutrient and energy requirements and a supply of at least two weeks should be on hand and stored properly to avoid rodents and moisture damage. Hay is important to provide fiber necessary for a healthy digestive system and helps keep horses warm through hindgut fermentation. Hay should be provided free choice in most circumstances. Hay should be fed under cover to prevent moisture damage and molding. Maintain a regular feeding schedule and do not change feeds abruptly, as this can disrupt digestion and cause colic.
• Power and electricity loss should be planned for. It is ideal to have a back up generator available to provide electricity. Be aware of carbon monoxide toxicity from running generators and propane heaters. Extra fuel should be on hand to power generators and heaters. All people on farm should know how to turn off water, electricity and other utilities in case of bursts pipes, power outages and fire hazards. Car chargers should be available to charge cell phones.  Cell phones may not work in severe storms so prepare for communication loss.
• Fencing may be damaged from downed trees and wind. Materials and supplies to repair fences and temporary fence materials should be on hand to contain horses.
• Facilities should be prepared by removing dangerous tree branches or debris that could potentially injure humans, animals or buildings prior to winter weather.
• Shelter should be provided to protect horses from wind and precipitation. If horses are kept in stalls, a plan should be in place to clear snow and debris for adequate exercise for stabled horses. Plan to have enough bedding for at least a few weeks. Run in sheds should provide enough room to safely house the number of horses in a paddock or field. If the shelter is natural (trees, woods, etc) make sure there are no safety concerns such as dead limbs that might fall.
• Turnout blankets are usually not necessary for horses unless they are clipped or do not have adequate shelter. If turnout blankets are used, they should fit properly and horses should be checked daily to make sure they are not rubbing or wet underneath. Only use waterproof turnout blankets.
• Veterinary supplies should be on hand for emergencies and routine care. Discuss emergency care with your veterinarian should they not be able to access the farm due to impassable road conditions.

Virginia's First large Snow Storm

Virginia's first big storm of 2016 is on the way, and we want to be sure our Members are prepared. Here are a few tips to help protect your property from winter weather-related damage, brought to you by Virginia Farm Bureau and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

1. PREPARE FOR A POWER OUTAGE
   Heavy snow and high winds are a recipe for widespread power outages. Prepare a plan now before a possible outage.
   • Learn how you can use alternative heat sources and generators safely.
   • Have an Emergency Preparedness Kit with three days of food, water, prescription
   medications and other supplies ready.
   • Consider obtaining a NOAA Weather Radio to stay abreast of current weather conditions.
2. PREVENT ROOF COLLAPSE
   If heavy snow begins to accumulate on your roof, remove the snow with a snow rake and a long extension arm that will allow you to remove the snow while standing safely on the ground.
3. STAY SAFE AND WARM
   Inspect your source of heat for any damage which can cause a fire and result in costly property damage. Also, remove combustible items placed near a heat source.
4. PREVENT FROZEN PIPES
   Prevent costly water damage caused by frozen pipes by:
   • providing a reliable back-up power source
   • insulating all attic penetrations
   • ensuring proper seals on all doors and windows
   • sealing all cracks and openings in exterior walls
5. KNOW YOUR WINTER WEATHER ALERTS
   When severe winter weather is on its way, it’s important you know and understand what each alert means so you can respond accordingly.

Thanks to VA Farm Bureau