Emergency Protocols

When it happens, you won't have time to read. Read it now.

Fire (structure)

  1. Get everyone out. Do not go back in for animals, tools, or files.
  2. Call 911. Give farm address and GPS from Emergency Contact Card.
  3. Shut off propane at tank if safe.
  4. Release animals from adjacent structures if you can approach without smoke inhalation.
  5. Direct responders from the driveway.

Fire (brush / field)

  1. Call 911 immediately. Brush fires move faster than you think.
  2. Shut off irrigation that shoots water into the fire (steam hazard).
  3. Move livestock to the most wind-downwind paddock with water.
  4. Do not try to fight brush fire yourself if wind > 10 mph.

Human injury (serious)

  1. Call 911. Do not move a victim with possible spinal injury.
  2. Stop severe bleeding: direct pressure, elevate, tourniquet if arterial and over 1 minute.
  3. If unconscious and not breathing: begin CPR.
  4. Send a second person to the driveway to flag the ambulance.

Animal escape

  1. Do not chase. Calm approach, low voice.
  2. Close gates behind animals to contain to a larger perimeter.
  3. Bait with feed if food-motivated.
  4. Call nearest neighbor on Emergency Contact Card for help.
  5. Log where/when/how - read fence later for cause.

Water system failure

  1. Shut off main at well or meter.
  2. Move stock to any paddock with independent water (creek, second well, tank).
  3. For layers: a bucket of water per 20 birds will last 12 hours.
  4. Ruminants: 8-12 gallons per day per mature animal. Don't underestimate.

Power outage

  1. Call utility report line.
  2. Generator (if installed): check fuel, test weekly separately.
  3. Do not open freezers. 24h closed = safe. 48h half-full = safe.
  4. Heated waterers off - plan to break ice every 3h in freezing weather.
  5. Egg production drops after 24h without heat if winter; not an emergency.

Suspected disease outbreak

  1. Isolate affected animal(s) immediately, separate water/feed.
  2. Stop all farm visits / sales of affected species.
  3. Call vet. Be ready with signs and first-sign date.
  4. Do not euthanize before vet consult (post-mortem is diagnostic).
  5. Disinfect boots / tools between pens.

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Manley Farms · The Homestead Operating System · Emergency Protocols