AcreageLife March 2025 | Page 13

Feature Seasonal Safety
Losing Power
If you lose power for one to three days, you should focus on heating your body rather than the entire house. To concentrate heat, gather family members in one sleeping space. You’ ll be camping in your home, so gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth few days!
• Propane heaters: These are intended for small spaces and won’ t heat an entire house.
• Sleeping bags: The go-to sleeping bag for emergencies is the Wiggly’ s brand as it uses a continuous layer of insulation.
• Alternative fridges: Use a cooler and only open it when absolutely necessary.
• Alternative lighting: LED lanterns are the way to go and will outlast standard light bulbs.
• Weather radios: Get one that has the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration weather band.
• Alternative cooking methods: A propane stove works well and can be used for cooking and heating.
• Backup power options: Power generators can run a few devices at a time, but you’ ll need to tally up the watts required to power them to determine what you need.
Protecting Crops and Gardens
If you have potted plants or raised beds, make sure they are secure. Group pots together against a wall and use tie-down methods for lightweight planters. Raise garden tools off the ground, store them in an enclosed shed or hang them on sturdy racks inside your garage.
Use outdoor storage benches, sheds or large waterproof tubs to keep these objects safe and dry. If you’ re short on storage space, consider temporarily securing them in a garage or mudroom.
Preparing Shelter for Livestock and Pets
Preparation for yourself also involves preparation for your livestock and pets. Stock up on an extra bag of kibble or cans of cat food for your small animals and have enough to last two weeks.
Ensure you are replete with hay for your horses or other livestock to last two weeks and start training your large animals to step into a trailer as this will be essential if you need to evacuate them.
• Make copies of any proof of ownership, animal identification documentation or photos and keep them with your evacuation kit.
• Talk with your vet, but you’ ll need a water supply, supplements and medications for at least seven days.
• Pack leg wraps, restraints, water buckets, hoof care materials, blindfolds for horses( if necessary) and blankets.
• Always keep emergency contact cards in your evacuation kit, including veterinarian and pharmacy details. If your large animals are not traveling to another location or the local fairgrounds( which will take animals displaced by a storm), other guidelines exist for preparing a shelter.
Make sure your shelter is sturdy enough to protect your livestock from the elements:
• Choose a high ground to avoid flooding and potential debris damage.
• Secure any loose items in a barn and provide ample bedding.
• Stock up on clean water that will last at least a week.
• Always have a way to evacuate your animals from a barn or shelter if the situation worsens.
Once the storm passes, inspect your homestead for damage and begin cleanup cautiously. Prioritize checking on crops, animals and structures. And one last note, don’ t hesitate to seek support from your community.
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