5 Tips to Prepare Your Farm Before a Storm

Proactive measures are your best defense against severe weather

When storms loom on the horizon, they bring with them the threat of fierce winds, torrential rains, and potential flooding, all of which can jeopardize your crops, livestock, and equipment. For farmers, preparation is not just a precaution—it's a lifeline to safeguard your livelihood and minimize potential damage. 

Here are five strategies to protect your farm before the storm arrives:

Secure Equipment and Structures

Relocate portable tools and machinery indoors or to elevated areas. Anchor large equipment, fuel tanks, and other heavy items to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles. Examine barns, silos, and other structures for vulnerabilities and make necessary reinforcements. 

Protect Livestock

Relocate your animals to secure locations with ample shelter, food, and water. Reinforce fencing and gates to keep them safe from high winds. Develop an evacuation plan and ensure your family and team are well-versed in executing it. 

Inspect Drainage & Irrigation Systems

Clear ditches, drains, and culverts to avert flooding in fields and around buildings. Effective drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging and soil erosion. Ensure backup systems, like pumps, are ready and operational. Turn off irrigation systems to avoid damage from flooding or electrical surges. 

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Review your farm insurance to confirm your coverage for storm-induced damage. Meet with your local independent insurance agent to go over what coverage you have against flooding, wind damage, and other interruptions. Keep a digital copy of your policy and contact details of your agent and Indiana Farmers Insurance at your fingertips.

Prepare Emergency Supplies and Documents

Build an emergency kit with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, water, and first aid supplies. Store vital documents such as insurance policies, animal records, and equipment inventories in a waterproof container. Digitally back up this information for easy access post-storm. 

Proactive measures are your best defense against severe weather. By securing equipment, protecting livestock, and planning ahead, you can help mitigate losses and expedite recovery after the storm. Preparedness is an investment in the resilience and sustainability of your farm.

After a storm hits, if you need to file a claim, Indiana Farmers Insurance and your local independent insurance agent are here for you. To get your claim started, log in to your indianafarmers.com account, visit our Claim Center, or contact your agent.

The information presented in this document is for informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to assist individuals, farmers, and business owners in identifying common hazards/risks and considering proactive loss prevention or loss mitigation actions. For information related to specific loss hazards, please contact your insurance agent.