Winter Storms and Your Farm
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The impact of winter storms on farms can involve a number of issues. Farm buildings can be damaged due to heavy snow or ice accumulation. Power failures or fuel shortages can impact animal production. Prepare now to protect your farm during winter storms. Use this checklist to make plans for your farm before, during, and after a winter storm situation. |
Find winter weather forecasts for your area
Understanding Wind Chill
Information on wind chill temperature and what the risks are for you.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Information on wind chill temperature and what the risks are for you.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Winter Weather Forecasts
Website with winter weather forecasts, including probability maps.
National Weather Service
Website with winter weather forecasts, including probability maps.
National Weather Service
Before a Winter Storm
Stay informed and monitor for severe winter weather in your area.
Be prepared for power outages or conditions requiring you to remain at home for several days.
Develop an emergency plan for water and feed resources.
- Obtain emergency supplies of forage and grain.
- Identify emergency resources for water.
- Have a list of suppliers, truckers, and people that can help with the animals, especially if normal working conditions are disrupted.
Stockpile emergency materials.
- Standby electric generator for emergency power.
- Sandbags, shovel, road salt or ice melt
Winterize any buildings that may provide shelter for your family, livestock or equipment.
- Install storm shutters, doors, and windows.
- Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows.
- Check the roof structure for its ability to hold heavy weight accumulations of snow and ice.
- Repair any roof leaks.
- Add insulation, insulated doors, storm windows, or thermal-pane windows.
- Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so they will be less likely to freeze.
During a Winter Storm
Stay informed. Listen to local news and weather channels for situation developments and road closures.
Have an emergency plan in place for farm workers.
If you are caught outside during a storm,
After a Winter Storm
Stay safe during cleanup.
- Wear sturdy shoes or boots, layered clothing, hat and gloves.
- Avoid overexertion. Strain from the cold and the hard labor could cause a heart attack - a major cause of death in the winter.
- Pace yourself, work slowly, and rest frequently.
- Make sure you have good footing when lifting the snow shovel.
- Take your time and lift small amounts.
- Lift snow/shovel properly to avoid back injuries.
Use caution with gas powered equipment.
- Dangerous carbon monoxide can be generated by gas-powered equipment as well as alternative heating sources.
- Use these items only in well ventilated areas.
Account for your inventory.
- Note any livestock losses.
- Check buildings and fences for damage (e.g., downed power lines or trees, accumulated snow or ice).
- Take photographs of all damage for insurance or emergency assistance purposes.
Additional Winter Preparedness Resources
Ready.gov: Winter Weather
What to do before, during and after a winter storm as well as information on possible flooding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
What to do before, during and after a winter storm as well as information on possible flooding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Severe Weather 101: Winter Weather Basics
Website providing winter weather basics.
NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory
Website providing winter weather basics.
NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory
Winter Weather: Before, During, and After
How to prepare for winter storms and prevent cold temperature-related health problems
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
How to prepare for winter storms and prevent cold temperature-related health problems
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Farm Resources
Ice Dam Prevention on Roofs: Simple Ways to Alleviate the Problem
Factsheet discussing way to prevent ice dams on roofs.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet discussing way to prevent ice dams on roofs.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Protecting Plumbing During a Winter Storm: Care of Utilities and Appliances When the Power is Out
Factsheet discussing measures to take to reduce the chance of frozen pipes and what to do when pipes freeze.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet discussing measures to take to reduce the chance of frozen pipes and what to do when pipes freeze.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Standby Electric Generators for Emergency Farm Use
Factsheet discussing types of generators and how to plan a generator system.
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Factsheet discussing types of generators and how to plan a generator system.
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Winter Power Failure On The Farm: Keeping Animals and Equipment Safe
Factsheet describing precautions to take to protect poultry, livestock and equipment during a power outage in the winter.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet describing precautions to take to protect poultry, livestock and equipment during a power outage in the winter.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Winter Storm Resources
USDA disaster assistance programs and operation recovery tools.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA disaster assistance programs and operation recovery tools.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Windbreaks
Wind and Snow Control Around the Farm
Information on types and uses of windbreaks.
Purdue University Extension
Information on types and uses of windbreaks.
Purdue University Extension
Windbreaks and Snow Management
Information on design, location and benefits of windbreaks.
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Information on design, location and benefits of windbreaks.
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources