How to Prepare Your Homestead for a Natural Disaster

sustainablelivingreport | September 14, 2017 | Homesteading & Off-Grid Living

Could your homestead survive a natural disaster? Here are a few helpful tips for being prepared…

Hurricane Harvey has recently reminded us of just how unprepared most people are (at least in America) to face a natural disaster. Of course, some natural disasters are difficult to anticipate (and usually impossible to prevent), but by preparing your family and your homestead for the worst, you will be more likely to come through any type of natural disaster unscathed.

Anyone can be impacted by a natural disaster, but if you are a homesteader, you not only have to look out for your family and your pets, but you also need to take steps to protect your livestock, farming implements, and other property.

The article below shares some quick tips for preparing your homestead for a natural disaster. For more tips on what you and your family should do to stay safe both before and after the event (including necessary items to include in your “bug out” bag), check out the full article via the link below.

How to prepare your homestead for a natural disaster:

Remove any debris that could become a dangerous flying object. This includes tomato cages!

Generator – if you have solar or wind power, it’s still a good idea to have a backup generator in case your alternative energy sources are damaged or destroyed by the natural disaster.

Reliable water source

Secure your livestock and small animals – have extra food, water, and bedding ready for at least a week. Have your halters and leads ready.

Stock up on vet supplies, including bandages, antibiotics, supplements

Make sure housing, food, and supplies for small animals (chickens, ducks, rabbits) are ready to withstand high winds or rising water. Create a make-shift pen in your garage, if necessary.

Put heavy farm equipment under cover and tie it down.

Tools & gloves – There will be a lot of mending after a natural disaster.

Keep a written inventory of all livestock, including breeding and expense records, with your other important family documents.

Make sure all animal branding, tagging, and other identification information are up-to-date.