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Extension specialist provides farm safety tips for when flood waters begin to recedeMissouri When flood waters begin to recede, it is important to use caution when assessing damage and beginning clean-up procedures on the farm. According to Amanda Marney, agriculture preparedness specialist, University of Missouri Extension, livestock will be exposed to unique hazards created by flood waters. In addition, agriculture producers must also protect their own health when working in and cleaning up previously flooded areas. Livestock tips "It is very important that you make sure all animals have a source of clean, uncontaminated water. Animals on pasture may need a different source of water until ponds or creeks clear up," said Marney. It is imperative that agriculture producers have their water tested if any part of the farmyard is flooded. If using well water for livestock water, it may have also been contaminated. Marney also recommends checking all sources of feeds and forages for spoiling and contamination. Flood waters can contaminate feeds, forages and fields. "Watch for molds in the field and in stored feed and forages. Feeding of moldy feeds is risky and unhealthy for all animals," said Marney. Standing water may damage parts of pastures. This may isolate animals and limit the forage supply. Hungry animals may then eat contaminated or poisonous plants. Livestock producers should be prepared to supplement feed, when needed, in order to prevent animals from eating contaminated plant materials. Marney says it is a good idea to make sure all animals are up to date with vaccinations. Producers may need to administer Blackleg boosters to pastured animals. High-risk, younger animals that were on flooded pastures may benefit from a therapeutic dose of penicillin. "Animals have been stressed during thunderstorms and resulting flooding. Consider supplementing additional feed or vitamins. Watch closely for signs of illness such as pneumonia and lameness. Make sure all animals are accounted for and are eating," said Marney. Is there manure storage on the farm? If so, consider having Natural Resources Conservation Service check for any evidence of weakening or leaking. Ag producers Agriculture producers should be extremely wary of electrical equipment that has been exposed to flood water or other moisture. "Don't turn the power back on until it has been inspected by a qualified electrician," said Marney. If producers are not certain that the power is off, they should never enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the ground is wet. Never handle a downed power line. Flood cleanup may involve the use of gasoline or diesel powered pumps, generators, and pressure washers. It is important to realize these devices do release carbon monoxide, a deadly, colorless, odorless gas. Due to this fact, producers should operate all these devices outdoors. "Never operate the power unit indoors. It is virtually impossible to ensure adequate ventilation," said Marney. Farm tractor and equipment operators should be extremely cautious when using towing chains to free or move "stuck" equipment. Hitch only to the drawbar to avoid tipping the tractor over backward. Use only a long towing chain designed to support the towed load. Check the machine's operator's manual for additional safe towing information. For more help or answers to your farm related questions, contact the nearest MU Extension Center or ag preparedness specialist Amanda Marney, at 417-669-4362.
Date: 4/10/08 Advertisement
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