# Swine Barn Emergency Planning: Fire, Power Outage, and Natural Disasters ## Key Takeaways - **Proactive Fire Prevention is Paramount:** Regular monthly cleaning of dust from motors, heaters, and electrical components, coupled with annual wiring inspections and proper storage of combustibles away from barns, significantly mitigates fire risks inherent in swine facilities due to feed, bedding, and manure dust accumulation. - **Redundant Power and Ventilation Systems are Critical:** Weekly testing of generators under load, maintaining a minimum 72-hour fuel supply, and installing low-temperature and power-failure alarms that notify multiple personnel are essential to prevent rapid environmental deterioration and animal distress during power outages. - **Comprehensive Emergency Planning Encompasses Multiple Threats:** A robust plan must address fire, power outages, and natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards) by including regular drills (evacuation twice yearly), updated communication protocols with emergency contacts posted in every barn, and off-site backup of vital records like vaccination and treatment logs. - **Water Security and Environmental Control are Non-Negotiable:** Quarterly confirmation and testing of backup water sources and emergency water delivery equipment are vital, as pigs require constant access to clean water, especially during power outages or flooding that can contaminate or disrupt supply. - **Risk Assessment and Specific Disaster Preparedness are Foundational:** Conducting thorough farm risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, reinforcing structures against high winds, elevating critical equipment in flood-prone areas, and ensuring adequate bedding and supplemental heat for winter storms are crucial steps in building resilience. --- Every swine operation faces risks that can disrupt production, threaten animal welfare, and jeopardize the farm's future. Fire, power outages, and natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards can strike without warning. A well designed swine barn emergency plan helps you protect your herd, your facilities, and your livelihood. This guide explains how to build that plan step by step. It is written for swine producers, farm managers, and employees who need practical guidance they can put into action before an emergency occurs. ## At a Glance | Priority | Action | Timeframe | |---|---|---| | Fire prevention | Clean dust from motors and heaters, inspect wiring, store combustibles away from barns | Monthly | | Fire response | Install and test smoke detectors and fire extinguishers | Monthly test, annual inspection | | Power backup | Test generator weekly under load, keep fuel supply for 72 hours minimum | Weekly | | Ventilation failure | Install low temperature and power failure alarms that call multiple people | Test monthly | | Water supply | Confirm backup water source and test emergency water equipment | Quarterly | | Evacuation plan | Map routes, identify receiving farms, and practice the plan | Twice per year | | Communication | Post emergency contact list in every barn and keep it updated | Quarterly review | | Recordkeeping | Keep vaccination, treatment, and movement records backed up off site | Monthly backup | ## Understanding the Threats to Swine Barns ### Fire Risks in Swine Facilities Fire is one of the most destructive emergencies a swine farm can face. Barn fires spread quickly because of the combination of dry bedding, dust, feed, and wood or insulated panel construction. Once a fire starts, pigs can be lost within minutes, and the building itself may be unsalvageable. The most common causes of barn fires include electrical faults, heating equipment failure, and mechanical breakdowns. Electrical problems often start in outdated wiring, damaged cords, or overloaded circuits. Heat lamps and space heaters used for piglets are a leading ignition source, especially when they tip over, come into contact with bedding, or are placed too close to combustible surfaces. Motors on fans and feed systems can overheat when dust builds up or when belts seize. Light fixtures can also start fires if dust accumulates and ignites. Dust is a major contributor. Swine barns produce fine dust from feed, dried manure, and pig hair. This dust coats surfaces and can ignite when it contacts a hot surface or an electrical spark. A dust explosion is possible in extreme cases, though it is less common in typical swine barns than in grain handling facilities. ### Power Outage Risks A power outage in a swine barn is an immediate threat to animal health. Modern swine facilities depend on electricity to run ventilation fans, heating systems, cooling systems, feed delivery, and water pumps. When power fails, the barn environment changes rapidly. The speed at which conditions become dangerous depends on the season and the size and age of the pigs. In hot weather, a barn full of finishing pigs can reach dangerous temperatures within 30 to 60 minutes when ventilation stops. In cold weather, baby pigs can become chilled within the same window. The most vulnerable animals are newborn piglets, weaned pigs, and sows nearing farrowing. Power outages can last minutes or days. Extended outages are common after severe storms, ice storms, and hurricanes. Your plan must account for both short interruptions and multi day outages. ### Natural Disaster Risks Natural disasters vary by region, but every swine farm faces some risk. Flooding can inundate barns, contaminate feed and water, and strand animals. Hurricanes bring high winds, storm surge, and prolonged power outages. Tornadoes can destroy barns in seconds. Blizzards and ice storms can collapse roofs, block roads, and cut power for extended periods. Wildfires, though more common in the western United States, can also threaten swine operations. The key to surviving a natural disaster is preparation before the event and a clear response plan during and after it. You cannot stop a tornado or a flood, but you can reduce the damage and be ready to act. ## Building Your Swine Barn Emergency Plan ### Step 1: Form an Emergency Planning Team Start by identifying who will be responsible for emergency preparedness and response. On a small farm, this might be the owner and one or two trusted employees. On a larger operation, include the farm manager, a lead employee for each barn, and someone who can handle communication with veterinarians, extension agents, and emergency responders. Assign specific roles. Someone must be in charge of shutting off gas and electricity if needed. Someone must be responsible for moving animals if evacuation is possible. Someone must call the veterinarian and the utility company. Someone must account for all people on the farm during an emergency. Write these roles down and post them where everyone can see them. ### Step 2: Conduct a [Farm Risk Assessment](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/farm-risk-assessment-identifying-and-mitigating-operational-risks) Walk your entire operation and identify every potential hazard. Look at electrical panels, wiring, extension cords, heat lamps, space heaters, motors, fuel storage, and flammable materials. Note any loose connections, frayed cords, or questionable equipment. Assess your vulnerability to natural disasters. Check flood plain maps for your area. Review historical weather patterns. Look at your barn construction and identify weak points in roofs, walls, and anchoring systems. Consider how your farm would fare in a tornado, hurricane, flood, or blizzard. Document your findings. This assessment becomes the foundation of your emergency plan because you cannot fix a problem you have not identified. ### Step 3: Install and Maintain Fire Prevention Equipment Fire prevention is your first line of defense. Start with these measures. Clean dust from all surfaces on a regular schedule. Pay special attention to motors, light fixtures, electrical panels, and heating equipment. Use compressed air or a shop vacuum designed for fine dust. Do this at least monthly, and more often in dusty conditions. Inspect all wiring annually. Look for rodent damage, cracked insulation, and loose connections. Replace any damaged wiring immediately. Do not overload circuits. If your barn trips breakers regularly, have an electrician evaluate your system. Keep heat lamps and space heaters at a safe distance from bedding and other combustibles. Use heat lamps with protective cages and secure them so they cannot fall. Never leave heat lamps on when the barn is unattended unless they are in a secure, fire resistant fixture. Store flammable materials such as fuel, solvents, and oily rags in approved containers away from the barn. Keep hay and straw storage separate from animal housing areas. Install smoke detectors in each barn and test them monthly. Install fire extinguishers at every barn entrance, near electrical panels, and near heating equipment. Use ABC rated extinguishers, which work on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. Train all employees on how to use an extinguisher with the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. ### Step 4: Plan for Power Outages Every swine barn should have a backup power source. The two main options are a standby generator that runs on propane or diesel, or a tractor driven PTO generator. Choose the size based on your barn's electrical load. You need enough power to run ventilation, heating or cooling, water pumps, and critical feed systems. Test your generator weekly under load. A generator that starts when unloaded may fail when it actually has to power the barn. Run it for at least 30 minutes each week with the barn load connected. Keep a log of these tests. Maintain a fuel supply. For a diesel generator, store at least 72 hours of fuel on site. Rotate the fuel supply so it does not go stale. Add a fuel stabilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. For a propane system, keep the tank full and know how many days of operation that provides. Install a power failure alarm that sounds when electricity is lost. The best systems call or text multiple people automatically. Test these alarms monthly. The alarm must reach you even when you are away from the barn. Have a plan for extended outages. If you expect power to be out for more than 48 hours, consider whether you can move pigs to a facility with power. Identify neighboring farms or facilities that might accept animals in an emergency. Talk to these potential receiving farms in advance so the arrangement is already understood. ### Step 5: Secure Your Water Supply Pigs need water constantly. A power outage can stop electric water pumps, and flooding can contaminate wells. Your emergency plan must address water. Identify a backup water source. This could be a second well, a storage tank with gravity feed, or a connection to a municipal water supply. Test your backup system quarterly to confirm it works. Store emergency water if needed. A 55 gallon drum per barn can provide temporary water for small groups of pigs. For larger operations, consider a bulk water storage tank sized to provide at least 24 hours of water for your herd. Know how to deliver water without electricity. A portable generator can power a pump. A gravity feed system works without power. You can also use a tractor PTO pump to move water from a tank or pond, though pond water should be treated or used only as a last resort. ### Step 6: Develop an Evacuation Plan Some emergencies require moving pigs out of the barn. Floods, fires, and structural damage from tornadoes or hurricanes may make the barn unsafe. Your plan must cover how to evacuate pigs and where they will go. Map evacuation routes from each barn. Identify the safest path for moving pigs to a loading area or to another facility. Keep alleys and doorways clear at all times so animals can move quickly. Identify receiving farms before an emergency. Contact neighboring swine operations and ask whether they could accept animals on short notice. Write down their contact information and include it in your emergency plan. The National Pork Board also maintains resources for producers dealing with emergencies. Practice your evacuation plan twice per year. Move a small group of pigs through the route to confirm it works. Time the process so you know how long a full evacuation would take. ### Step 7: Plan for Floods and High Water If your farm is in a flood prone area, take extra precautions. Elevate critical equipment such as electrical panels, generators, and fuel tanks above expected flood levels. Store feed in watertight containers or in areas unlikely to flood. Know the flood history of your property. Contact your local emergency management office or county extension office to learn about flood risks. If your barn has flooded before, plan for it to flood again. During a flood warning, move pigs to higher ground if possible. If you cannot move them, provide them with a raised platform or mound where they can escape rising water. This is a temporary measure and not a long term solution, but it can save animals in a fast rising flood. After a flood, do not let pigs drink flood water. Flood water is contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris. Provide clean water immediately. Inspect feed that may have gotten wet and discard any that is contaminated. ### Step 8: Plan for High Winds and Tornadoes High winds can damage barn roofs, collapse walls, and send debris flying. In tornado prone areas, your plan must include shelter for people and a strategy for animals. Reinforce barn structures where possible. Check roof anchoring, wall connections, and door hardware. Make repairs before storm season begins. During a tornado warning, your priority is human safety. Get people into a storm shelter or a sturdy interior room. Do not try to evacuate pigs during a tornado. Your barn is the best shelter they have, and moving them during the storm puts people at risk. After the storm passes, assess damage carefully. Look for downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural hazards before entering barns. Check on animals and provide immediate care for any that are injured. ### Step 9: Plan for Winter Storms and Extreme Cold Blizzards and ice storms can cut power for days and make roads impassable. Your plan must account for extended cold weather. Ensure your heating system can operate on backup power. Test it during your weekly generator tests. Keep extra bedding on hand to help pigs stay warm. Newborn piglets need supplemental heat, so have extra heat lamps or heat pads available. Keep a supply of feed on site. If roads are impassable, you cannot receive deliveries. Store at least two weeks of feed during winter months. Check roof load capacity. Heavy snow and ice can collapse barn roofs. Remove snow from roofs when it accumulates to dangerous levels, using a roof rake or other safe method. Do not climb onto a roof with deep snow. ### Step 10: Create a Communication Plan In an emergency, you need to reach people quickly. Post an emergency contact list in every barn and in the farm office. Include: - Farm owner and manager phone numbers - All employee phone numbers - Local veterinarian - County extension agent - Utility companies (electric, gas, water) - Local emergency management office - Fire department (non emergency number) - Police or sheriff (non emergency number) - Insurance agent - Neighboring farms that can help Keep this list updated. Review it quarterly and update it whenever contact information changes. Designate one person to handle external communication during an emergency. This person contacts the veterinarian, extension agent, utility companies, and emergency responders. Having one point of contact prevents confusion and conflicting messages. ### Step 11: Protect Your Records In a fire, flood, or other disaster, paper records can be destroyed. Your emergency plan must include a system for protecting essential records. Keep copies of these records off site or in a fireproof, waterproof safe: - Vaccination records - Treatment records - Movement records - Breeding records - Feed and medication inventory - Insurance policies - Dealer and buyer contact information - Premises identification number - Veterinary records Scan paper records and store digital copies in a cloud service or on a drive kept off site. Update these backups monthly. The USDA APHIS Swine Health program requires certain records for disease traceability. Losing these records in a disaster can create regulatory problems. Protect them as part of your emergency plan. ## Common Mistakes in Swine Barn Emergency Planning ### Waiting Until an Emergency Happens The most common mistake is failing to plan at all. Many producers assume an emergency will not happen to them. When it does, they scramble to respond without a clear plan. The result is confusion, delayed action, and greater losses. A written plan prepared in advance is the single most important step you can take. ### Testing Generators Only When Needed A generator that has not been tested may fail when you need it most. Batteries die, fuel lines clog, and engines fail to start. Test your generator weekly under load, not just when the power goes out. Log the test results so you can spot problems before they become emergencies. ### Ignoring Dust Accumulation Dust is a fire hazard and a threat to equipment. Producers who skip regular cleaning increase their fire risk significantly. Make dust control part of your weekly maintenance routine. ### Overloading Electrical Circuits Adding equipment without upgrading electrical service is a common problem. Barns accumulate heat lamps, fans, and other equipment over time. An overloaded circuit can trip breakers or start a fire. Have an electrician evaluate your barn's electrical capacity and upgrade if needed. ### Failing to Communicate the Plan A plan that sits in a binder in the office is not a plan. Every employee must know the plan and their role in it. Hold regular training sessions and drills. Update the plan when you hire new people or make changes to the operation. ### Not Planning for Extended Outages Many producers plan for a few hours without power but not for days. A major storm can knock out power for a week or more. Your plan must address long term power loss, including fuel supply, feed storage, and the possibility of moving animals. ### Forgetting About Water Power outages affect water pumps. Producers who focus on ventilation and heating may overlook water until pigs are already showing signs of dehydration. Plan for backup water before you need it. ### Keeping Incomplete Records In the chaos of an emergency, it is easy to lose track of what happened. Without records, you cannot document losses for insurance, prove compliance with disease traceability rules, or learn from the event. Keep records throughout the emergency and update them as the situation evolves. ## Decision Thresholds: When to Act ### When to Evacuate Pigs Deciding whether to evacuate pigs is one of the hardest decisions in an emergency. Use these thresholds to guide your thinking. Evacuate when the barn structure is unsafe. If a fire is burning in or near the barn, if a tornado has damaged the structure, or if floodwater is entering the building, move pigs out if you can do so safely. Evacuate when you cannot maintain a safe environment. If power is out, your generator is down, and you cannot keep temperatures within a safe range, pigs are at risk. Move them to a facility with power if one is available. Evacuate when floodwater threatens to rise. Pigs can drown in floodwater. If water is rising and you have a safe place to move them, do it early. Waiting until the water is deep makes evacuation impossible. Do not evacuate during active severe weather. During a tornado warning or hurricane, keep people safe first. Moving pigs during the storm puts human lives at risk and is rarely successful. ### When to Call for Help Call your veterinarian immediately if pigs show signs of distress that you cannot resolve. These signs include labored breathing, lethargy, refusal to eat or drink, and unusual behavior. In a heat emergency, pigs may pant excessively, drool, and collapse. In a cold emergency, piglets may pile up and become unresponsive. Call your extension agent for guidance on emergency management and recovery. Extension agents can help you assess damage, find resources, and connect you with state and federal programs. Call your insurance agent as soon as possible after damage occurs. Document the damage with photos before you begin cleanup. Your insurance policy may require prompt reporting. Call the utility company immediately when power fails. Report the outage and ask for an estimated restoration time. This information helps you decide whether to use your generator or move animals. ## Monitoring and Recordkeeping During an Emergency ### Monitoring Animal Health During an emergency, check pigs more frequently than normal. In heat stress conditions, check every 30 minutes. In cold conditions, check newborn piglets every hour. Look for signs of distress and act quickly when you see them. Keep a written log of your checks. Record the time, barn conditions, and any animals that show signs of distress. This log helps you track the situation and provides documentation for insurance and veterinary purposes. ### Monitoring Barn Conditions Track temperature, humidity, and air quality throughout an emergency. Use backup thermometers if your electronic system is down. Record conditions at regular intervals. Pay attention to ammonia levels. When ventilation fails, ammonia builds up quickly and can damage pigs' respiratory systems. If ammonia levels become strong enough to irritate your eyes, they are too high for the pigs. ### Documenting the Emergency Take photos and video of the damage and your response. These records are essential for insurance claims and for learning from the event. Photograph structural damage, equipment failures, and any animals that are injured or lost. Keep a timeline of events. Record when the power went out, when you started the generator, when you called for help, and when conditions changed. This timeline helps you evaluate your response and improve your plan. ### After the Emergency Once the immediate crisis is over, conduct a debriefing with everyone involved. Discuss what worked and what did not. Update your emergency plan based on what you learned. Contact your veterinarian for a herd health assessment. Animals that survived the emergency may have health issues that appear later. Respiratory problems from poor air quality, injuries from crowding, and stress related disease are common after emergencies. Work with your extension agent to assess any regulatory requirements. Some emergencies trigger reporting requirements, especially if animals died or if there is a disease concern. The USDA APHIS Swine Health program and your state animal health officials can provide guidance. ## Fire Response Procedures ### Immediate Actions When you discover a fire in a swine barn, act immediately. Call 911 first, then alert everyone on the farm. Do not attempt to fight a large fire yourself. Your priority is human safety. If the fire is small and contained, use a fire extinguisher. Aim at the base of the flames and sweep side to side. If the fire does not go out quickly, abandon the effort and get out. Evacuate people first. Then, if it is safe, open barn doors to allow pigs to escape. Do not re enter a burning building for any reason. Wait for the fire department. ### After the Fire Do not enter the barn until firefighters say it is safe. The structure may be unstable. Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, and hot spots. Account for all people who were on the farm. Then account for the pigs. Work with your veterinarian to assess injured animals and make decisions about euthanasia and treatment. Contact your insurance agent immediately. Document the damage with photos. Keep receipts for any emergency expenses. ## Power Outage Response Procedures ### When the Power Goes Out Check the barn immediately. Confirm that your generator started and is providing power. If the generator did not start, troubleshoot the problem. Check fuel, battery, and connections. If you cannot restore power quickly, assess the barn environment. Measure temperature and check on the pigs. Determine how much time you have before conditions become dangerous. Call the utility company to report the outage and get an estimated restoration time. This information helps you plan. ### During an Extended Outage Monitor your generator fuel supply and arrange for refueling before the tank runs low. Do not let the generator run out of fuel, because restarting it may be difficult. Monitor barn conditions continuously. Adjust ventilation manually if needed by opening doors or windows. Use temporary heating or cooling as available. Check water supply. If your water pump is not running, use your backup water source. Ensure every pig has access to clean water. ### When Power Is Restored Check all systems as power comes back. Confirm that ventilation, heating, cooling, feed, and water systems are working properly. Watch for power surges that can damage equipment. Check on the pigs. Animals that endured a long outage may be stressed, dehydrated, or chilled. Provide supportive care as needed and contact your veterinarian if you see health problems. ## Natural Disaster Response Procedures ### Flood Response When flooding is expected, move pigs to higher ground if possible. Secure feed and equipment above expected water levels. Disconnect electrical equipment that may be submerged. During flooding, do not enter floodwater. It may be contaminated and may hide hazards. Wait for water to recede before assessing damage. After flooding, check the barn for structural damage before entering. Inspect electrical systems for water damage. Do not turn on power until an electrician has checked the system. Provide clean water immediately. Flood water is not safe for pigs to drink. Discard any feed that came into contact with flood water. ### Tornado Response During a tornado warning, get people to shelter immediately. Do not try to move pigs during the storm. After the warning passes, assess damage carefully. Look for downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural hazards. Check on the animals. Tornadoes can injure pigs with flying debris and collapsing structures. Provide veterinary care for injured animals and euthanize any that are severely injured. ### Hurricane Response Prepare for hurricanes well before the storm arrives. Secure loose objects that could become projectiles. Fill fuel tanks. Stock feed and water. Test your generator and have it ready. During the storm, keep people safe. Do not go outside until the storm has passed. Remember that the eye of the hurricane may bring a temporary calm, but the storm is not over. After the hurricane, assess damage carefully. Watch for downed power lines and flooded areas. Check on the pigs and provide care as needed. ### Winter Storm Response Before a winter storm, ensure your heating system works on generator power. Store extra fuel. Keep extra bedding on hand. Stock feed for at least two weeks. During the storm, check barns frequently. Watch for roof collapse from heavy snow. Remove snow from roofs when needed. After the storm, check for ice damage to power lines and water pipes. Ensure pigs have access to clean, unfrozen water. Provide extra bedding and heat for young pigs. ## Working with Your Veterinarian and Extension Agent ### When to Call Your Veterinarian Your veterinarian is a critical partner in emergency planning and response. Establish a relationship before an emergency occurs. Discuss your emergency plan with your veterinarian and get their input on animal care during emergencies. Call your veterinarian immediately when: - Pigs show signs of severe distress - You have mass injuries or deaths - You suspect a disease outbreak - You need guidance on euthanasia decisions - You are unsure how to treat animals after an emergency During an emergency, your veterinarian can help you triage injured animals, recommend treatment protocols, and advise on disease prevention. After an emergency, your veterinarian can help you assess herd health and restore normal production. ### Working with Your Extension Agent Your county extension agent is a valuable resource for emergency planning and recovery. Extension agents can help you: - Assess your farm's vulnerability to natural disasters - Connect you with state and federal assistance programs - Access educational resources on emergency preparedness - Navigate regulatory requirements after an emergency - Plan for business continuity and recovery Contact your extension agent before an emergency to establish a relationship. They can help you build your emergency plan and connect you with other resources in your area. ### Regulatory Considerations Some emergencies trigger regulatory reporting requirements. If you have significant animal deaths, contact your state animal health officials. If you suspect a reportable disease, contact your veterinarian and the USDA APHIS Swine Health program immediately. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) sets international standards for animal health and disease reporting. Your veterinarian and state animal health officials can guide you through any reporting requirements. ## Building Resilience for the Long Term ### Invest in Prevention The best emergency plan is one that prevents emergencies from happening. Invest in regular maintenance, fire prevention, and backup systems. These investments cost less than recovering from a disaster. ### Build Strong Relationships Know your neighbors, your veterinarian, your extension agent, and your local emergency responders. Strong relationships make it easier to get help when you need it. Talk to these people before an emergency, not during one. ### Plan for Business Continuity An emergency can disrupt your operation for weeks or months. Plan for how you will continue to care for your herd, maintain cash flow, and rebuild after a disaster. This may include insurance coverage, financial reserves, and relationships with buyers and suppliers. ### Review and Update Your Plan Your emergency plan is a living document. Review it at least twice per year. Update it whenever you make changes to your operation, hire new employees, or learn something new about your risks. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much generator capacity do I need for my swine barn? The required generator size depends on your barn's electrical load. Add up the wattage of all equipment you need to run during an outage, including ventilation fans, heating or cooling systems, water pumps, and critical feed systems. Multiply this total by 1.25 to account for startup surges. A typical farrowing barn may need a 25 to 50 kilowatt generator, while a finishing barn may need less. Have an electrician or generator dealer calculate your exact requirements. It is better to oversize slightly than to have a generator that cannot handle the load. ### What is the safest way to heat a swine barn to prevent fire? Use fixed heating systems that are professionally installed and regularly inspected. Radiant tube heaters and forced air furnaces are safer than portable space heaters. If you use heat lamps for piglets, use models with protective cages, secure them so they cannot fall, and keep them away from bedding and other combustibles. Clean dust from heating equipment regularly. Never leave portable heaters running in an unattended barn. Install smoke detectors and have a fire extinguisher near every heating source. ### How long can pigs survive without power in hot weather? The time depends on the size of the pigs, the barn temperature, humidity, and air movement. In extreme heat, a barn full of finishing pigs can reach dangerous temperatures within 30 to 60 minutes when ventilation stops. Larger pigs are more vulnerable than smaller pigs because they generate more body heat. Sows in gestation and finishing pigs are at highest risk. If your generator fails in hot weather, open doors and windows to create natural airflow, wet the pigs with a hose, and move them to shaded areas if possible. Call for help immediately. ### How do I keep water flowing to my pigs during a power outage? If your water pump runs on electricity, you need a backup plan. A portable generator can power the pump. A gravity feed system from an elevated storage tank works without electricity. A tractor PTO pump can move water from a tank or pond. Store water in clean containers and provide it to pigs in troughs or other containers. Check water availability every hour during an outage. Pigs can survive longer without feed than without water, so water is your top priority. ### What should I do with pigs during a flood? If floodwater is rising and you can safely move pigs to higher ground, do so early. Waiting until water is deep makes evacuation dangerous or impossible. If you cannot move pigs, provide them with a raised platform or mound where they can escape rising water. This is a temporary measure only. Do not let pigs drink flood water, which is contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris. After the flood, provide clean water immediately and inspect all feed that may have gotten wet. ### Should I evacuate my pigs during a tornado warning? No. During a tornado warning, your priority is human safety. Get people into a storm shelter or sturdy interior room. Do not try to move pigs during the storm. The barn is the best shelter the pigs have, and moving them during a tornado puts people at risk. After the storm passes, assess damage carefully and check on the animals. ### What records do I need to keep for insurance after an emergency? Document everything. Take photos and video of all damage before you begin cleanup. Keep a timeline of events, including when the emergency started, when you called for help, and when conditions changed. Keep receipts for all emergency expenses, including fuel, feed, repairs, and veterinary care. Maintain records of animals lost, including identification numbers if available. Contact your insurance agent immediately and follow their instructions for documentation. ### How do I find help after a major disaster? Start with your local emergency management office, which coordinates disaster response and can direct you to available resources. Your county extension agent can help you access state and federal assistance programs. Your veterinarian can help with herd health issues. The National Pork Board provides resources for producers dealing with emergencies. Contact your insurance agent to begin the claims process. Do not wait to ask for help, because assistance programs often have deadlines. ## Related Farming Guides This section will be populated with links to related farming guides on swine production, biosecurity, herd health, and other relevant topics. Check back for updates or explore the farming guide library for more resources. ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Pig Enrichment Programs and Behavior Monitoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/pig-enrichment-programs-and-behavior-monitoring) * [Swine Handling Facility Design for Safe Pig Movement](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/swine-handling-facility-design-safe-pig-movement) * [Swine Feeding Management for Grow-Finish Pigs](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/swine-feeding-management-for-grow-finish-pigs) ## References - National Pork Board: https://www.pork.org/ - USDA APHIS Swine Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/swine - FAO Pig Production: https://www.fao.org/pig-production-and-products/en/ - FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/ > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.