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High Wind Safety

Wind is easy to underestimate. It carries debris, tips high loads and brings down limbs, and it affects farm tasks from spraying to hauling to roof work.

Why is wind a farm safety issue?

Strong wind can push over trailers, grain carts and hay loads, blow loose items into people, bring down trees and power lines, and damage roofs and doors. It also affects ladder work, work on tall structures and the use of tarps and covers.

The National Weather Service issues wind advisories and warnings, and uses certain terms for particular levels of wind. Check the official definitions on its website instead of relying on memory, because thresholds are set by the weather service and can vary by region.

Wind speeds on a forecast are not the whole picture. Gusts, terrain and open ground can all make conditions feel and behave differently, so use judgment and err on the side of stopping work.

• Wind moves debris and tall loads
• Trees and lines can fall suddenly
• Wind affects ladders, tarps and aerial work

What tasks should be postponed in high wind?

Postpone work at height, tree felling, burning, spraying and any task where gusts could throw a load or spread a product. Pesticide labels give wind-related instructions for application, so read the label and the guidance from the EPA and your state agriculture department.

Set a clear rule for the farm: any worker may stop a task they believe is unsafe in the wind, and no one will be criticized for it. People take the wind seriously when the rule is simple.

Tarp and cover work deserves special mention. A tarp can act like a sail and pull a worker off a stack or a trailer. Wait for calmer conditions or use a team with proper equipment.

• Ladders and aerial work
• Tree work
• Spraying and burning
• Moving tall or lightweight loads

How do you secure the farm before a wind event?

Walk the property and look for items that can fly or fall: loose roofing, lids, tarps, panels, tools, feed bags, and trailer doors. Close and latch barn doors and windows. Tie down or store lightweight equipment. Park high-profile equipment away from trees.

Check dead limbs near buildings, fences and lines. Remove hazards when winds are calm, not when a storm is on the way. Contact a qualified tree service or the utility for limbs near power lines.

Silos, bins, panels and light-frame buildings can be damaged by wind loads they were not designed for. Manufacturers and engineers can tell you what a structure is rated for; do not guess.

What about driving in high wind?

High-profile trailers and loads are vulnerable. Livestock trailers, grain trailers and hay wagons can be pushed sideways or tipped by gusts, and other drivers may react suddenly. Check the forecast before you leave, slow down in open stretches and on bridges, and consider postponing a trip.

Watch for debris and downed lines on the road. Never drive over a line. Call 911 and the utility to report it.

Plan for livestock trailers especially. Animals shift in a trailer, and crosswinds add to the effect. Consider postponing non-urgent hauling during advisories.

How should you respond to fire danger with wind?

Wind makes outdoor fires and equipment sparks much more dangerous. Local fire officials often restrict burning on windy days, and rules differ by county and state. Check with your local fire department or forestry agency before any open burn.

Keep spark-producing work, such as welding and grinding, away from dry vegetation and standing crops, and keep a charged phone nearby. If a fire starts, call 911.

What should you check after a wind event?

Check people first. Then inspect buildings, fences, bins and utilities from a safe distance. Do not touch downed lines or anything in contact with them. Report damage to the utility. Take dated photographs before cleanup, and ask your insurance agent and Farmers.gov what documentation to keep.

Be careful of partially fallen trees and leaning structures. Hire a qualified professional for anything under tension or hanging overhead.

Treat leaning trees and hanging limbs as dangerous. They can drop without warning. Mark the area and call a professional rather than attempting removal yourself.

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