Livestock Emergency Response Plan

Benefits to livestock owners enrolled in LERP: 

Emergency situations are stressful, especially when there is livestock involved. One way to reduce stress and mitigate risk is to have an emergency plan prepared prior to an emergency. By going through this workbook, you can identify areas of improvement and build confidence in your emergency response.  

Keep this plan accessible, such as on your mobile device, and ensure you share a copy with a relative or friend located off site. 

Creating an Emergency Plan can help you cope with the stress of an emergency or disaster. Having a document prepared with important contacts, such as neighbours, employees, veterinarians, poison control, transportation resources, and animal care, can go a long way in the event of an unplanned emergency. 

During an emergency, it is not always possible to evacuate livestock from the area of the hazard due to time of year (spring birthing), the nature of how the animals are kept (animals that are barn based and difficult to move), or the emergency developed quickly not allowing enough time to safely load and transport livestock. 

If evacuation is not possible or feasible, producers should prepare for sheltering their livestock in place prior to the producer and family evacuating. 

Consider preparing an emergency kit that is readily accessible in the event of an emergency.