Home / Weather / Winter Storm Safety on Farms

Winter Storm Safety on Farms

A winter storm can cut power, block roads and keep help from reaching you. Preparing before the forecast turns serious is the best protection.

What should you do before a storm?

Watch for National Weather Service alerts and take them seriously. Check supplies, fuel, feed, water and medicine, and think through how you will care for animals if you cannot travel or if chores take much longer.

Talk through the plan with everyone on the farm, including children and hired workers. Everyone should know what to do and where to meet.

Write the plan down in simple words and put it where everyone can see it. A single page with phone numbers, the farm address, the place to gather and the order of chores is enough to start.

• Review forecasts and alerts
• Stock feed, water and medicine
• Charge phones and backup power
• Tell family and neighbors your plan
• Spare batteries and light sources
• Fuel for vehicles and equipment
• Backup plan for water and heat

How do you care for animals safely?

Animals still need feed, water and shelter during storms. Plan routes for chores, use ropes or markers in whiteout conditions where appropriate and avoid going out alone when visibility is very low.

Ask your veterinarian and extension livestock specialist about animal care in severe cold. Your own safety comes first, and no animal is worth a fatal trip into a blizzard.

Consider whether chores can be shortened, consolidated or done by two people together.

• Never go out alone in whiteout conditions
• Put your safety ahead of the chore
• Share your plan with a neighbor

What if the power goes out?

Power loss can stop water pumps, heat, ventilation and refrigeration. Have a plan for essential tasks and for keeping people warm.

Generators and heaters carry serious hazards, including carbon monoxide, fire and electrical shock. Follow the manufacturer's manual, never run them in enclosed spaces and ask the fire department or an electrician about safe setup. Do not rely on guesses.

• Never run generators in enclosed spaces
• Follow the manual for every heater
• Ask an electrician about connections

How should you handle travel?

Avoid unnecessary travel during severe storms. If you must go, tell someone your route and timing, carry a charged phone and be ready to wait.

Equipment and vehicles may get stuck or fail in cold. Do not head into a remote area alone without a plan.

Keep fuel tanks and vehicles in good order well before the storm. Cold weather affects batteries and fluids, and a vehicle that will not start can strand you in the cold.

How do you stay in contact?

Make a list of emergency numbers, including the utility, your neighbors and local services. Share your address and farm layout so responders can find you.

In an emergency, call 911. Know that response may be slower in severe storms, which is another reason to prepare.

Check your insurance and records ahead of time and photograph buildings and equipment before bad weather, so you are ready for recovery after the storm.

• Utility number saved
• Neighbors' numbers saved
• Farm address posted

What about the first days after the storm?

After a storm, watch for hazards such as downed power lines, damaged buildings, ice and fallen trees. Stay far away from downed lines and call the utility and 911.

Check on neighbors, especially older ones, and avoid overexertion while clearing snow and debris.

Do not underestimate how tiring storm work is. Take breaks, drink fluids, eat and avoid overexertion while clearing snow or debris. Chest pain, trouble breathing or dizziness means call 911.

• Downed lines: stay far away
• Check on older neighbors
• Avoid overexertion while clearing

Where can you find official guidance?

The National Weather Service, Farmers.gov, extension programs and the Red Cross publish winter storm and disaster preparedness materials. Programs and assistance vary by state and county.

Contact your county emergency management office and extension agent for local information.

Keep an eye on neighbors who live alone, and ask them to check on you as well. A simple call during a storm can catch a problem early.

• County emergency management office
• Extension agent
• National Weather Service alerts

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