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Emergencies in Rural Settings

Because of increased isolation, in rural areas response times are longer and resources can be greatly reduced.

If you're a farmer, rancher, or other agricultural worker with a disability, plan for the additional challenges of responding to an emergency in your particular setting.

For example, set up a detailed plan of action and from a peer support network to assist in taking care of livestock in case of an emergency such as fire, tornado or flood - many accidents occur while trying to attend to animal when disaster strikes. Also, contact friends or family who are 15 to 40 miles away and make emergency arrangements with them for temporary livestock care.

Ask about special assistance programs available in the event of an emergency. Many communities ask people with a disability to register, usually with the local fire or police department, or the local emergency management office so needed help can be provided quickly in an emergency. Let your personal caregiver know you have registered, and with whom. If you are electric-dependent, be sure to register with your local utility company." -FEM

Make sure to have legal and adequate markings to prove ownership of your livestock, and practice loading your animals as a disaster drill, so you and the animals are familiar with the effort.

Prepare a livestock disaster box with ropes, halters, concentrated feed, medicines, copies of ownership papers, buckets of feed nets, garden hose, flashlight or lantern, blankets or tarps, portable radio and spare batteries, livestock first aid supplies.

Remember that the survival instincts of livestock can make normal handling techniques ineffective.

THE ACCEPTED PRIORITY SYSTEM FOR SAFETY AND EVACUATION is people first, then pets, then property. In case of FIRE: Open possible escape routes and recapture animals later.

Also, be very detailed when completing your Emergency Plan and Emergency Kit, Consult EquipALife's AgraBility web site for assistive technologies that may help you better plan for emergencies: www.agrability.org/Resources/at.

For more information: www.EquipALife.org 

A BASIC PLAN

Develop a Plan

  • Pre-identify a safe meeting place
  • Plan escape route for safe and quick evacuation

Stock pile 7 days of key supplies

  • Medications, special diet, and medical items
  • Food, clothing, other essentials

Utilize 911, cell, GPS

  • List any special needs
  • Clearly state your exact  physical location
  • When working with machinery, keep a medical card in your pocket instead of wearing a medical ID bracelet.

 

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