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Emergency Planning for Older Farmers

In an emergency, call 911. Planning ahead helps you do that quickly, and helps responders reach you. For older farmers who work alone, the plan matters even more.

Why plan before an emergency?

When something goes wrong, stress and pain make clear thinking hard. A plan made in advance removes guesswork. It also tells others where to look and what to do. It also gives older farmers a chance to state their own wishes in advance, so that others can honor them.

Planning is not pessimism. It is the same careful habit you use when you check a machine before the season.

Make the plan a family project so that everyone knows it.

• Stress makes clear thinking hard
• Others know where to look
• Responders are called sooner

How will you call for help?

Carry a charged phone, and check that it works where you farm. Coverage can be poor in barns, fields and hollows. If it does not, ask your phone provider and local emergency services about alternatives, including radios or personal alert devices. Test the plan once. Call from the barn or field and make sure the call goes through and the family hears from you.

Tell someone your plans for the day and agree on a time when they will check on you. In an emergency, call 911.

• A charged phone on your person
• A backup way to signal if coverage is poor
• A check-in time with a family member or neighbor
• Emergency numbers written on paper

Can responders find you?

Make sure your address is visible from the road and that gates, lanes and bridges are passable for large vehicles. Give family a simple map showing fields, buildings and any hidden spots. If your property has more than one entrance, tell responders which is best and mark it clearly.

Share a way for responders to get in, such as a gate left open or a code for a locked one, and tell the dispatcher where you are when you call.

• House number visible from the road
• Gates and lanes passable for large vehicles
• A simple map for family
• Access instructions for dispatchers

What information should others have?

Keep a list of medications, allergies, health conditions, doctors and emergency contacts in an easy-to-find place and with a trusted person. Include your insurance details. Store the information in a sealed envelope or a clearly labeled folder, and update it when medications or contacts change.

Do not post private details publicly. Share them only with people you trust.

• Medications and allergies
• Medical conditions
• Doctor and pharmacy contacts
• Emergency contact list

What about weather and power outages?

Check forecasts from the National Weather Service and have a plan for storms, heat, cold and power loss. Think about heating, cooling, water, medication storage and equipment that depends on electricity, such as medical devices. A battery-powered radio, flashlights and spare batteries are common items on preparedness lists. Check the Red Cross for current guidance on kits.

Follow guidance from your local emergency management office and the Red Cross about preparing a kit and staying safe.

• Heat and cold
• Storms and flooding
• Power loss and medical devices
• Water, food and medication supplies

What do you do about fire, chemicals and hazards?

Know where fire extinguishers are and keep them serviced, and know how to leave a building quickly. Store chemicals and fuels safely, and keep labels readable. For specific fire and hazard guidance, check NFPA, OSHA and your local fire department. Practice a fire drill for the house and barn so that everyone knows the exits, and replace smoke alarm batteries on a schedule you can remember.

Do not try heroic rescues. If a person is trapped or injured, call 911 and follow the dispatcher's instructions.

• Fire extinguishers serviced and easy to reach
• Chemicals and fuel stored safely
• A way out of every building
• Call 911 and follow the dispatcher

Who should know the plan, and how often should you review it?

Family, neighbors and anyone who works with you should know the plan and where the information is kept. Practice calling and finding each other. Think about pets and livestock as well, and decide who would care for them if you were unable to.

Review it every year and after any change in health, equipment or farm layout. Ask your local fire department or emergency management office whether they offer farm safety visits or training.

• Family and neighbors
• Anyone who works with you
• Yearly review and practice

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.