Although Glades County was not in the National Hurricane Center cone of uncertainty at the time of this post, it is still hurricane season in South Florida, and preparation is key.  Whether you already have your 4-H project animal or plan to get one soon, now is the time to ensure you are ready for whatever the weather may bring.

If you Already  Have your Project Animal:

Take a few proactive steps to protect your animal and its shelter:

• Inspect the structure where your animal is housed. Reinforce any loose boards, wire, or roofing materials.
• Fix drainage issues in and around the pen to prevent flooding.
• Take inventory of emergency supplies, including:
  • First aid items for treating minor injuries to your animal.
  • A reliable water source in case of power outages.
  • A tarp and secure tie-downs. Tarps are incredibly versatile and often hard to find after a storm.
• Take inventory of your feed:
  • Make sure you have enough feed to feed your animal for several days after the storm, as supply chains may be disrupted.
  • Secure the feed in a safe, dry environment during the storm.

If you do not have your 4-H project animal yet:

You can still plan ahead of time:

• Inspect the structure that you will be keeping your project in. Go ahead and fix any loose wires, boards, or roofing material now to prevent damage from occurring.
• Buy and store a tarp with tie-downs. After a storm passes, you may struggle to find tarps when needed most. Especially when the first cold front arrives, and animals need protection from wind and rain.

Although we never want to think about these storms hitting our area, now is the time to start preparing and making a plan. More information on preparing livestock for a hurricane can be found at: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/archive/hot_topics/disaster_prep/hurricane_prep_ag.shtml.

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