Protecting your farm and livestock
Flooding can’t be prevented entirely but you can prepare for it to reduce its impacts and avoid damage and disruption to your farm, livestock and life.
Am I at risk of flooding?
Flooding can affect us all. It may not just be your fields, stables or livery yard at risk but also access roads and deliveries.
Register today to receive free advance notice of flooding direct to your phone by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or signing up online.
How do I prepare for a flood?
For many, your farm won’t just be your business; it will also be your home. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for flooding:
Your business
- Draw up a contingency plan with suppliers to ensure continuity and reduce loss of earnings.
- Identify stock/machinery/tools that can easily be moved off the farm to prevent loss or damage.
- Identify and move any chemicals/fuels on the farm that could contaminate flood water and move them to safety.
Your livestock
Identify fields at higher ground and gain permission to use these in advance of flooding so livestock can be moved to safety.
Your home
- Prepare a flood plan and put a family flood kit together so everyone knows what to do if flooding happens.
- Familiarise yourself with how to shut off gas, electricity and water supplies.
- Keep a list of useful contact numbers including your Floodline quick dial code.
- Consider flood protection products that could help to reduce the impact of flooding on your property and ensure your insurance provides adequate cover for flood damage.
Protecting your horse
Here’s some advice and actions to reduce the risk to you and your horse or pony.
Am I at risk of flooding?
Flooding can affect us all. It may not just be your fields, stables or livery yard at risk but also access roads and deliveries. Register today to receive free advance notice of flooding direct to your phone by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
How do I prepare for a flood?
- Plan ahead – List everything you need in the event of a flood, include emergency contact numbers (emergency services; local authority; insurance companies; horse transporters; feed suppliers, vet etc.) and keep this in a safe place. Add a flood plan to your emergency procedures.
- Prepare a flood kit – Include a spare head collar and lead rope – attach contact details to the head collar; your horse’s passport and first aid kit; any medication your horse needs; wire cutters (in case you can’t leave the field through a gate) and a warm waterproof rug.
- Feed and water – Store as much feed and water as possible above flood level, enough to last until clean water and food can be delivered.
- Higher ground – Identify fields on higher ground and gain permission to use these in advance of flooding so horses can be moved to safety.
- Evacuation – Find a safe route, consider transport if you need to travel off site. It is unsafe to lead your horse or drive a vehicle through flood water, so make sure that you plan your route accordingly.
- Emergency access – Ensure additional gates are fitted, attach your contact details on field gates if your field is at risk of flooding.
- Stay safe – Don’t tether horses during a flood or in a flood risk area. Horses will become stressed and anxious during a flood. Wear a hat and gloves and if you have many horses, try to move them together as this helps to keep them calm. Do not put yourself at risk to rescue a horse, contact the emergency services or the SSPCA who may be able to help.