Natural Events and Disasters
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Natural Events and Disasters Highlights
Related Topics
- Biosecurity
- Crops
- Emergency Planning and Response
- Food Safety
- Health and Safety
- Homeland Security
- Pesticides
- Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides
Related Publications
Every year natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes, and tornadoes, challenge agricultural production. Because agriculture relies on the weather, climate, and water availability to thrive, it is easily impacted by natural events and disasters. Agricultural impacts from natural events and disasters most commonly include: contamination of water bodies, loss of harvest or livestock, increased susceptibility to disease, and destruction of irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure. These impacts can have long lasting effects on agricultural production including crops, forest growth, and arable lands, which require time to mature. Learning how to prepare for and recover from natural events and disasters will decrease their long-term effects on agriculture and the environment.
Even though natural events and disasters can be devastating to agricultural production, it does not excuse noncompliance with state and federal environmental laws. The links below provide resources and assistance to the agriculture community in planning and preparing for and responding and recovering from natural disasters.
- Drought
- Earthquakes
- Extreme Cold
- Extreme Heat
- Fires
- Floods
- Hurricanes
- Landslides and Debris Flow
- Tornadoes
- Tsunamis
- Volcanoes
- Disaster Assistance
More information from EPA
Natural Emergencies - Information on natural events, such as hurricanes, floods, extreme heat, tornadoes, and volcanoes.
Natural Emergencies - General Information Related to Many Disasters - General information for consumers, businesses, schools, state and local governments, and others, that applies to many different natural events or disaster situations.
Natural Disasters Action Plan - Links to policy and planning, regulatory, technical, and financial tools in the event of a disaster.
Planning for Disaster Debris - Information for communities to help them plan for the cleanup of debris after a major natural disaster.
Food and Agriculture - Description of the federal roles and responsibilities for decontamination and disposal in response to animal, crop, and food incidents.
Drought
General Drought Information
- NOAA - Drought Information Center
Links to information on drought and climate conditions. - U.S. Drought Monitor
Current drought conditions across the U.S.
Drought's most severe effects on agriculture include water quality and quantity issues. Other impacts include decreased crop yields, impact to feed and forage, and altered plant populations. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for a drought, what to do during a drought, and how to respond and recover from a drought. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - Prepare Your Farm or Ranch Before Drought Strikes - Tips on water, land, and crop management to consider while creating a drought plan.
- Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- Texas A&M University (TAMU) Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- University of Wisconsin (UWI)-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Livestock
- Colorado State University (CSU) Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K)- Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Crops
- CSU Extension - Strategies to Minimize Nitrate Levels in Stressed Corn- A list of six strategies to minimize nitrate levels, and a link to an article on the feeding value of drought-damaged corn silage for beef cattle.
Livestock
- Montana State University - Sheep Management During Drought (PDF) (3 pp, 66K) - Information on feeds common to Montana and their cost per pound of protein, and rules for ewe feeding and feed compositions.
- Iowa State University - 10 Suggested Strategies for Cow-Calf Management in Drought Conditions (PDF) (2 pp, 78K) - A list of ten strategies to help producers before and during a drought.
- CSU Extension - Alternative Feeds for Cattle During Drought - Tips on planning for spring, summer, and fall forage, stretching a hay pile, and alternative feedstuffs.
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K) - A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- CSU Extension - Colorado Farms and Ranches Risk Nitrate Poisoning in Drought-Stressed Forages - Guidelines regarding harvesting and feeding drought damaged crops.
- North Dakota State University (NDSU) - Coping with Drought: Information for Dealing with Dry Weather: Crop Production - Links to articles on the effects of drought on weeds and herbicides, insect pests, diseases, general production concerns, and horticulture.
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before and during a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Crops
- University of Maryland (UMD) - Harvesting and Feeding Drought-Stressed Corn - Tips on when and how to harvest, what to feed, and eight recommended practices for drought-stressed corn.
- CSU Extension - Suggested Structures, Chop Length, and Screen Size for Harvesting Corn for Silage - A table of suggested structures, chop length, and screen size for harvesting corn for silage, such as usual maturity, ideal storage structure, and optimum crop length.
- CSU Extension - Beware of Nitrates - Tips on how to deal with excessive levels of nitrate.
Livestock
- NDSU - Coping with Drought: Information for Dealing with Dry Weather: Livestock Production - Links to articles on the effects of drought on forages and grazing, general drought topics, economic concerns, feeds and feeding, and poisoning concerns.
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Earthquakes
General Earthquake Information
- FEMA - Earthquakes
Information on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. - American Red Cross - Earthquakes
Information in English and Spanish on preparing for and surviving an earthquake. - CDC - Earthquakes
Tips on surviving an earthquake and reducing its health impact. - National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP)
Program to reduce the risks to life and property from earthquakes.
Earthquakes can strike without warning and cause dramatic changes to the landscape of an area that can have devastating impacts on agricultural production and the environment. These impacts could include loss of harvest or livestock and destruction of irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for an earthquake, what to do during an earthquake, and how to respond and recover from an earthquake. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- UWI-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K)- Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K)- A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Extreme Cold
General Extreme Cold Information
- Snow and Ice
Information on how to deal with snow and ice around your home, on highways, and at airports. - Winter Tips
Tips on protecting your family's health and resources for energy efficiency during the winter season. - Fight the Frost this Winter
Tips from Energy Star on keeping warm, saving energy, and helping the environment.
Extreme cold may result in loss of livestock, increased deicing, downed power lines, and increased use of generators. Deicing can impact agriculture by damaging local ecosystems and contaminating water bodies. Downed power lines cause people to run generators more often, which can release harmful air pollutants. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for extreme cold, what to do during extreme cold, and how to respond and recover from extreme cold. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- UWI-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K) - Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K) - A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Livestock
- University of Wyoming - Managing Drifting Snow - Tips on using snow to replenish a water hole for livestock.
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Extreme Heat
General Extreme Heat
Information
- Extreme Heat
Information on preparing for and staying healthy during a heat wave.
Hot weather and extreme heat can worsen ozone levels and air quality as well as leading to drought conditions. Excessive heat and prolonged dry or drought conditions can impact agriculture by creating worker safety issues for farm field workers, severely damaging crops, and reducing availability of water and food supply for livestock. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for extreme heat, what to do during extreme heat, and how to respond and recover from extreme heat. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- Heat Stress - A summary of precautions that employers can take against heat stress.
- Guide to Heat Stress in Agriculture - A guide to help private and commercial pesticide applicators and agricultural employers protect their workers from heat illness.
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- UWI-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K) - Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K) - A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Fires
General Fire Information
- FEMA - Wildfires
Information on what to do before, during, and after a wildfire. - Ready.gov - Wildfires
Tips on making a plan, creating an emergency kit, and protecting your property from a wildfire.
Wildfires can spread quickly and devastate thousands of acres of land, which may include agricultural lands. This devastation could lead to large losses in crops, forestry, livestock, and agricultural infrastructure. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for a fire, what to do during a fire, and how to respond and recover from a fire. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Protecting Farms and Ranches from Wildfires - Information on protecting farms before, during, and after a wildfire.
- CSU Extension - Three Questions and Answers Related to Wildfires and Stress - Answers to questions on preparing your family for a disaster, what to tell your children about wildfire, and how to cope after evacuating your home.
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- UWI-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K) - Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Protecting Farms and Ranches from Wildfires - Information on protecting farms before, during, and after a wildfire.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K) - A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Protecting Farms and Ranches from Wildfires - Information on protecting farms before, during, and after a wildfire.
- CSU Extension - Three Questions and Answers Related to Wildfires and Stress - Answers to questions on preparing your family for a disaster, what to tell your children about wildfire, and how to cope after evacuating your home.
- CSU Extension - Assessing Your Homesite After a Wildfire - A list of the six areas of a home to inspect after a fire.
- University of Florida (UFL) - Clean-up After a Fire on the Farm – Safety Concerns and Where to Go for Help (PDF) (2 pp, 393K) - General guidelines on taking care of contaminated water, building debris, and farm equipment/vehicles after a fire.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Floods
General Flood Information
- Flooding
Information on what to do during and after a flood. - USGS - WaterWatch: Floods
Map of flood and high flow conditions for the United States.
Flooding causes many impacts to agricultural production, including water contamination, damage to crops, loss of livestock, increased susceptibility of livestock to disease, flooded farm machinery, and environmental damage to and from agricultural chemicals. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for a flood, what to do during a flood, and how to respond and recover from a flood. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- NDSU - Preparing to Evacuate Your Farm - Suggested safety measures when flooding is expected.
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- UWI-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Crops
- NDSU - Save Flood-Damaged Grain - Five tips on how to prevent loss of corn and grain from flooding.
Livestock
- TAMU - Livestock Emergency Preparedness and Recovery- Tips on emergency preparedness and building a response plan that protects the safety of livestock and other animals on the farm or ranch.
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K) - Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- UWI Extension - Pesticide Storage Concerns During a Flood: Prevention and Emergency Response - A list of preventative measures to minimize potential pesticide exposure to floodwaters, and what to do in case of pesticide exposure to floodwaters.
Livestock
- NDSU - Protecting Livestock During a Flood - Guidelines for safe shelter and evacuation of livestock during a flood.
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K) - A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- North Carolina State University (NCSU) Cooperative Extension - Reconditioning Flood-Damaged Farm Equipment (PDF) (2 pp, 564K) - This guide will help you take the proper precautions to prevent damage to farm equipment and possible injury or illness to persons working with or around the equipment.
- Private Drinking Water Wells: What to Do After the Flood - Guidance for private drinking water well owners about what to do after a flood.
- NDSU - Flooded Pesticides - Information on dealing with and disposing of flooded pesticides and contaminated water.
- NCSU Cooperative Extension - Handling and Cleaning Up Damaged Pesticide Containers at Home (PDF) (2 pp, 562K) - Steps to follow if a recent flood resulted in water damage to pesticide containers.
- NCSU Cooperative Extension - Controlling Damage in Pesticide Storage Facilities on the Farm (PDF) (2 pp, 578K) - Six steps on dealing with a pesticide storage facility after a flood.
- NCSU Cooperative Extension - Reconditioning Flood-Damaged Tractors (PDF) (4 pp, 619K) - A guide to fixing flood-damaged tractors, such as steps for engine and transmission repair and other concerns.
- NDSU - Flooded Farm Vehicles and Equipment - Tips on cleaning and reconditioning flooded farm vehicles and equipment.
- TAMU Extension - Reconditioning Farmstead Machinery and Equipment After Floods - A description of steps to take to recondition or restore equipment after a flood to resume operation and prevent permanent rusting and corrosion.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Crops
- University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension - Impact of Flood and Rain on Crops - Links to information on managing flood-damaged hay bins, testing flooded soil, and flood-related safety hazards.
- NDSU - Assess Flooded Crops Carefully - Tips on assessing corn crops after a flood, including what crops to replant after a flood and how to prevent crop damage with nitrogen.
- NDSU - Salvaging Crops After Flooding - Information on the recovery of alfalfa, irrigated pastures, and hay after a flood.
- NDSU - Salvaging Stored Wet Feed and Grain - Tips on drying, marketing, and safe feeding of feed and grain after a flood.
- NDSU - Using Flood-Damaged Grain - Information on using wet grain and alternative food crops to use for animals.
- NDSU - Don’t Ignore Flood-Damaged Hay - Four steps to salvage flood-damaged hay already in storage.
Livestock
- NDSU - Maintaining Livestock Health After a Flood - Issues of disease control and sanitation of livestock after a flood.
- Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension - Maintaining Livestock Health After a Flood (PDF) (2 pp, 82K) - Information on dealing with disease control, feed and water, pastureland, sanitation, and insects after a flood.
- UMN Extension - Be Aware of Post-Flooding Health Concerns in Livestock - A list of safety tips for livestock producers.
- UMN Extension - Flood-damaged Feeds, Forages Pose Risks for Livestock - Safety concerns of flood-damaged feeds for livestock producers.
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Hurricanes
General Hurricane Information
- Hurricanes
Information on preparing for and recovering from a hurricane. - Información general sobre huracanes (Hurricane Preparedness Information in Spanish)
Information on preparing for a hurricane in Spanish. - EDEN - Hurricanes
Information on how to make a donation, how to volunteer to help hurricane-struck areas, federal assistance programs, and hurricane and flood watches.
Hurricanes can produce violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains, and floods. Hurricanes can have devastating impacts on agriculture, many of which are similar to those for flooding, which include loss of livestock, water contamination, damage to crops, increased susceptibility of livestock to disease, and flooded farm machinery. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for a hurricane, what to do during a hurricane, and how to respond and recover from a hurricane. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- UWI-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Livestock
- NCSU Extension - Hurricane Preparations For Horse Farms - A list of several preparations that horse farm owners can enact prior to a storm.
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K) - Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Livestock
- MSU Extension - Diet Supplements for Livestock (PDF) (2 pp, 47K) - A list of diet supplements to feed livestock during disaster situations.
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K) - A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Livestock
- MSU Extension - Emergency Treatment and Management of Horses Under Hurricane Conditions (PDF) (2 pp, 49K) - Information on containment, housing and feeding, animal identification, management of traumatic injuries, and medication doses for horses after a hurricane.
- UMD - Feeding Livestock Safely After The Big Storm - Tips on caring for livestock feed and water after a storm
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Landslides and Debris Flow
General Landslides and Debris Information
- FEMA - Landslide and Debris Flow
Information on what to do before, during, and after a landslide and a link to landslide hazards. - USGS - Landslide Hazards
Basic information on landslides, the Landslides Hazards Program, and landslide publications. - American Red Cross - Landslide and Debris Flow
Information on what landslides are and what causes them, how to protect your property, what to do before and during a severe storm, and what to do during and after a landslide. - CDC - Landslides and Mudslides
Information on the causes of landslides, the health effects from landslides, at-risk areas, how to protect yourself and your property, and links to additional information.
Landslides and debris flow occur in all 50 states and commonly occur in connection with other major natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires, and floods. Some of the threats from landslides and debris flow include rapidly moving water and debris that can cause trauma; broken electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines; and disrupted roadways and railways. This can lead to agricultural impacts including contamination of water, change in vegetation, and harvest and livestock losses. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for a landslide, what to do during a landslide, and how to respond and recover from a landslide. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- UWI-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K) - Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K) - A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Tornadoes
General Tornado Information
- Tornadoes
Information on preparing for and recovering from a tornado.
Tornadoes can appear without much warning and have the potential to devastate an area very quickly. This devastation can impact agriculture by contaminating water and destroying crops, livestock, and other farm property. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for a tornado, what to do during a tornado, and how to respond and recover from a tornado. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- UWI-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K) - Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K) - A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Tsunamis
General Tsunami Information
- FEMA - Tsunami - Information on tsunami terms, what to do before, during, and after a tsunami, and flooding that can result from tsunamis.
- CDC - Tsunamis - Information on health effects, food and water safety, response and cleanup, and mental health due to a tsunami.
- American Red Cross - Tsunami - Information on planning in case of a tsunami, awareness information, the difference between a watch and a warning, and what to do after a tsunami.
- EDEN - Tsunamis - FAQ's on tsunamis and information on tsunami preparation, warning, mitigation, and links to more information.
- NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
Methods and tools to reduce tsunami hazards. - USGS - Tsunami and Earthquake Research
Basic tsunami information, with links to research studies and Quicktime tsunami animated videos.
Tsunamis can strike anywhere along most of the U.S. coastline. Some of the hazards associated with tsunamis that can impact agriculture include flooding, contamination of water, and fires from gas lines or ruptured tanks. These events can cause crop damage, livestock losses, facility damage, and loss of fishery stocks. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for a tsunamis, what to do during a tsunamis, and how to respond and recover from a tsunamis. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- UWI-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K) - Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K) - A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Volcanoes
General Volcano Information
- Volcanoes
General information on volcanic eruptions, including information on preparation, recovery, health issues, and environmental impacts. - USGS - Volcano Hazards Program
Information on volcanic hazards, reducing volcanic risk, research, and links to current volcanic activity worldwide.
Volcanic ash can travel hundreds to thousands of miles downwind from a volcano. Ash can be hazardous to grazing livestock and can damage or shutdown drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities. The following links provide agricultural compliance assistance information on how to plan and prepare for a volcanic eruption, what to do during a volcanic eruption, and how to respond and recover from a volcanic eruption. Where there is information available, the links are also categorized by agricultural type: 1) farmstead, farm equipment, farm machinery; 2) livestock; and 3) crops.
Planning and Preparing
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- MDA - Preparing the Farm and Farm Animals for Disasters - Tips on mitigation, evacuation, and sheltering of animals before a storm.
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
- UWI-Madison Extension - Standby Electric Generators: A Source of Emergency Power for Farmers - A guide to size, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric generators.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock Before Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 42K) - Recommendations on steps to take to insure the safety and health of livestock before a disaster strikes.
During an Event
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock During Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 84K) - A guide to caring for livestock during multiple disaster situations and difficulties that are commonly experienced.
Response and Recovery
Farmstead, Farm Equipment, Farm Machinery
- TAMU Extension - Farmstead Preparedness and Recovery - Steps to take to prepare for or recover from a disaster, such as creating an emergency plan and kit, taking an inventory, and checking utilities.
Livestock
- CSU Extension - Caring for Livestock After Disaster (PDF) (2 pp, 39K) - A list of steps to take after a disaster, such as locating escaped animals and tips on feeding and sheltering livestock.
Disaster Assistance
Information from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Farmers who have suffered a loss due to a natural disaster may be eligible for assistance under one or more of the following FSA programs:
- USDA Farm Service Agency Disaster Assistance - Overview of Disaster Assistance Programs offered by the USDA Farm Service Agency.
- Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) - ECP provides emergency funding for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by wind erosion, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters. The ECP also provides emergency funding for farmers and ranchers to carry out emergency water conservation measures during periods of severe drought.
- Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) - NAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers affected by natural disasters. This federally funded program covers noninsurable crop losses and planting prevented by disasters.
- Emergency Farm Loans - USDA’s FSA provides emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters, or quarantine.
- Emergency Haying and Grazing Assistance - Emergency haying and grazing of certain Conservation Reserve Program acreage may be made available in areas suffering from weather-related natural disaster.
- Where Can I Apply for FSA Emergency Assistance? - Further information and help in applying for emergency assistance is available at the FSA county office serving your area.
More Information from USDA
- Rural Development - Disaster Assistance for Housing and Community Programs - Information for people living in rural developments including who to contact for financial relief after a disaster.
- Rural Development - Disaster Declarations Site - Links to current disaster declarations and to local Rural Development staff who can help borrowers take advantage of our disaster-related servicing options.
More Information from States
- California Small Business Disaster Assistance - Helps agriculture-related enterprises obtain financing needed to recover from losses caused by natural disasters in areas declared to be in a State of Emergency by the Governor.
More Information from Other Organizations
- American Red Cross - Disaster Services - Focuses on meeting people's immediate emergency disaster-caused needs.
- Iowa State University - Disaster Recovery - Information on drinking water well recovery after flooding.
- Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG) Disaster Relief - Uses a regional approach to creating a sustainable agricultural system.
- National Farmers Union - Risk Management - Supports the development and implementation of a permanent disaster program by the federal government.