By Jennifer Whitlock
Field Editor
A new video aims to help farmers and ranchers prepare an emergency action plan for their operation in the case of a natural disaster or other emergency.
The short video is the first in a planned series produced by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers Council, United Egg Producers and National Association of SARA Title III Program Officials (NASTTPO).
Essential aspects of an emergency action plan, as well as engaging with local emergency planning teams and emergency response professionals, are covered. Through coordination and collaboration with those groups, farmers and ranchers can be prepared in case disaster strikes.
“This video is a good start into enhancing the safety of those emergency response personnel unfamiliar with farming and ranching operations. Likewise, it can help to close a gap between emergency planning and response professionals and the public,” Tim Gablehouse, NASTTPO president, said. “We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues in agriculture to further broaden this educational tool and improve safety for responders, farmers and the public.”
Livestock and the various equipment and supplies vital to farms and ranches—machinery, tractors, chemicals, electricity and fuel—can create challenging environments for first responders who are unfamiliar with farming and ranching.
So, working with local emergency planning groups ahead of emergencies can help them prepare while giving farmers and ranchers peace of mind that their animals and operations are being approached with caution and understanding.
“Safety on the farm is always a priority. The partnership between first responders and local farmers and ranchers is critically important, as is assuring effective coordination during an on-farm emergency,” John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY, said. “The public can rest easy knowing that farmers and ranchers take seriously their responsibility to keep their operations safe for themselves and their neighbors.”
He noted helping public safety personnel understand farm operations and providing information to help them respond swiftly and effectively is essential in a time of crisis.
“Emergency planning protects the community, farmworkers, animals and the livelihoods of U.S. farmers and ranchers,” Sharkey said.
The video is available here and by visiting USPOULTRY’s YouTube channel.