Photo by Karen F from Pexels
With the unseasonably warm weather, many areas find themselves dealing with flooding right now. BC AgriService sent out a list of contacts for producers in case of an emergency and a list of suggestions to prepare for adverse weather.
These are some steps the Ministry of Agriculture and Food recommends farmers take to protect themselves:
- Create, review, and use your farm emergency plan. This should include alternate routes and a plan to shelter animals in place.
- Help emergency responders by having an up-to-date BC Premises ID account with contact information.
- Sign up for emergency notifications from your local authority through their website, social media accounts, or through (in some cases) emergency preparedness apps.
- Stockpile supplies such as food, fresh water, bedding, veterinary supplies and fuel.
- Prioritize personal and worker safety by immediately following evacuation orders.
- Communicate your status to local authorities, particularly when you are stranded or require animal-welfare support.
Contacts:
- Industry Associations - commercial operations can reach out to industry associations for emergency response support and livestock relocation.
- AgriserviceBC - Call the AgriServiceBC emergency line at 1-888-221-7141 or email AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca for general agriculture emergency response support.
- Local Authority / Local Emergency Operations Centre:
- Sign up for emergency notifications for your local authority (Regional, District, Municipality, First Nation).
- Check your local authority website and / or social media accounts to stay up-to-date
- Your local authority is your key source of information during an emergency. They are responsible for the local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), and they issue evacuation order areas.