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Livestock Emergency Evacuation Planning

When fire, flood or severe weather threatens, there is little time to think. A written plan lets your family and crew move animals without taking unnecessary risks.

Why plan before a disaster?

Evacuation decisions happen under stress, with poor information and little time. A plan made in advance lets you decide calmly what to do, who does it and what is not worth risking a life for.

People are always the priority. A plan should include clear cutoffs for when to stop trying to move animals and leave. Property can be replaced; lives cannot. Call 911 if lives are at risk. A plan also helps neighbors and responders, who will be working on the same information as you.

Include the people who might not be home when disaster strikes, such as seasonal workers, so they know what to do.

What should the plan include?

Write down the hazards you face, such as flood, wildfire, tornado, winter storm or a building fire. For each one, note where animals will go, how they will get there and who is responsible. Include contacts for your veterinarian, neighbors, local emergency management and the extension office.

Keep a copy where everyone can find it, and give one to a trusted person outside the area. Include a list of animals by pen or pasture, with identification, so that you know what you have if animals are separated. Review it with a neighbor or local emergency manager if you can, since they may spot gaps you have not noticed, such as a road that floods.

• Hazards you face and warning sources
• Destinations, routes and backup routes
• Vehicle and trailer plans
• Roles for each person
• Contacts and records

How do I arrange transport and destinations?

Know in advance where your animals could go, whether to a higher pasture, another farm or a shelter. Confirm with owners ahead of time, since arrangements made during an event are hard to find. Local emergency management and extension offices often know about shelters and support for livestock.

Make sure trailers and vehicles are in working order, and that drivers are experienced. Check the rules for moving animals in your state, which vary. Consider where animals will be fed and watered on arrival, and who will care for them while you are away.

How do I prepare animals and equipment?

Animals that are used to loading and being handled are easier to evacuate. Practice loading in calm conditions. Keep halters, ropes and basic supplies together and easy to grab. Keep identification current, in line with your state's requirements.

Keep feed, water and supplies for the trip, and store records such as vaccination and ownership details in a waterproof container. Give animals regular practice with trailers so that loading in an emergency is less stressful for them and for you.

Keep a list of animals with photos, so you can prove ownership and identify animals that get separated.

When do I leave?

Heed official warnings from emergency management and the National Weather Service. Leave early when told to, since roads can close and conditions can change quickly. Do not wait until the last moment to move animals.

If officials order you out, go. Do not return until officials say it is safe. Floodwater, fire damage and downed power lines are life-threatening. Sign up for local alerts and keep a weather radio or app ready, because phone coverage can fail during storms.

Have a way to hear alerts even if power and phone service fail, such as a battery-powered weather radio.

What about fire, power loss and barns?

Barn fires spread fast. Keep exits clear, keep animals' paths free of clutter and check wiring and heaters regularly. NFPA offers fire safety information for farms. Do not go back into a burning building for animals.

Keep emergency lighting and a charged phone available in case power is out, and plan for water supply if pumps fail. Keep a bag of personal items, medicine and documents ready for the people evacuating, not just the animals. Teach every worker where the barn exits are and how animals are likely to react to smoke, noise and heat.

How should the plan be reviewed?

Review the plan every year and after any event or drill. Update phone numbers, routes and roles. Walk through the plan with every person who might need it, including children if appropriate.

Practice at least part of it, such as loading animals or driving the route. A plan that has been practiced works much better under stress. Share the plan with neighbors so that you can help each other and avoid duplicate trips.

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