Weather Preparedness: Mitigating Risks of Tornadoes and Severe Storms on the Farm

Part 5 of the "Promoting Agricultural Safety in Nebraska" Series.

Nebraska’s farming communities are no strangers to the powerful and unpredictable weather patterns of the Great Plains. Tornadoes and severe storms can develop quickly, threatening lives, livestock, crops, and infrastructure. Farmers face unique challenges when preparing for these extreme weather events due to the size of their properties and the nature of their work. Developing comprehensive emergency action plans, building storm shelters, and leveraging weather technology can help mitigate these risks and safeguard your operation.

Creating and Practicing Emergency Action Plans

An effective emergency action plan is your first line of defense against severe weather.

1. Identify Potential Hazards

• Assess your property to identify areas most vulnerable to storm damage, such as open fields, barns, or silos.

• Include considerations for livestock, hazardous materials, and irrigation equipment.

2. Assign Roles and Responsibilities

• Designate team leaders for specific tasks, such as moving livestock, securing equipment, and accounting for family or workers.

• Ensure all workers and family members understand their roles during an emergency.

3. Practice and Refine the Plan

• Conduct regular tornado and storm drills to familiarize everyone with evacuation routes and safety procedures.

• Update your plan as necessary to account for new equipment, personnel, or structural changes on the property.

Developing Storm Shelters on Large Properties

Safe shelter is critical during severe weather, especially in areas prone to tornadoes.

1. Build or Retrofit Shelters

• Construct a storm shelter or safe room designed to withstand tornado-force winds. FEMA provides guidelines for building shelters that meet safety standards.

• If building a new shelter isn’t feasible, retrofit an existing structure, such as a basement or reinforced outbuilding, to serve as a refuge.

2. Ensure Accessibility

• Position shelters in central, easily accessible locations on the property.

• Mark paths to shelters clearly and remove obstacles to allow quick access during emergencies.

3. Stock Essential Supplies

• Equip shelters with emergency kits, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, and weather radios.

• Include protective gear like helmets to reduce the risk of injury during tornadoes.

Using Weather Technology for Real-Time Updates

Modern technology can provide critical information to help you stay ahead of severe weather.

1. Monitor Reliable Sources

• Use weather apps, NOAA weather radios, and local news channels for up-to-the-minute forecasts and alerts.

• Enable notifications on your devices to receive warnings about tornadoes or severe storms in your area.

2. Install Weather Monitoring Systems

• Invest in on-site weather monitoring tools, such as wind sensors and lightning detectors, to detect changes in weather conditions.

• Pair these systems with automated alerts to inform workers across large properties.

3. Train Workers on Technology Use

• Ensure everyone knows how to use weather apps, radios, and other monitoring tools.

• Regularly update software and equipment to maintain accuracy and reliability.

A Culture of Preparedness

Weather readiness isn’t just about having a plan—it’s about fostering a mindset that prioritizes safety.

Tips for Staying Prepared:

• Review emergency plans at the start of every severe weather season.

• Invest in training programs to educate workers about weather risks and response strategies.

• Encourage open communication about weather concerns and involve your team in preparedness efforts.

Severe storms and tornadoes are a reality of farming in Nebraska, but with proactive measures, their risks can be significantly mitigated. By creating and practicing emergency action plans, investing in storm shelters, and leveraging real-time weather technology, farm families and workers can stay safe during even the most extreme weather events.

Take the time today to evaluate your farm’s weather preparedness—it could save lives, protect your livelihood, and provide peace of mind.

Resources for Weather Preparedness:

• National Weather Service (NWS) Severe Weather Preparedness

• FEMA: Building a Safe Room for Tornadoes and Hurricanes

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Severe Weather Preparedness

Child Safety on the Farm: Keeping Kids Safe Around Hazards

Part 4 of the "Promoting Agricultural Safety in Nebraska" Series.

Farms are wonderful places for children to grow up, offering hands-on learning and a connection to the land. However, farms also present unique hazards, from heavy machinery to unpredictable animals. Protecting children requires proactive planning and awareness. By creating safe environments, assigning age-appropriate tasks, and addressing high-risk areas like grain bins and livestock enclosures, farm families can ensure their children enjoy farm life safely.

Creating Safe Play Areas and Designated Zones

One of the best ways to protect children on the farm is to create boundaries between work and play areas.

1. Establish Safe Play Zones

• Design a dedicated play area away from machinery, livestock, and chemical storage.

• Use fencing or natural barriers to clearly mark the play area.

• Equip the space with age-appropriate toys and equipment to keep kids engaged.

2. Define No-Go Zones

• Clearly communicate areas that are off-limits, such as grain bins, workshops, and animal pens.

• Use signage or color-coded markers to visually enforce boundaries.

• Regularly remind children of these restricted areas and explain the dangers.

3. Supervision is Key

• Always know where your children are during farm activities.

• Assign an adult or older sibling to supervise young children when work is underway.

Training Children in Age-Appropriate Tasks

Farm work can teach valuable life skills, but it’s essential to assign tasks that match a child’s age and ability.

1. Assess Readiness

• Consider a child’s physical and cognitive development before assigning tasks.

• Ensure they fully understand the instructions and potential risks.

2. Start with Simple Tasks

• Younger children can assist with feeding animals, collecting eggs, or sweeping barns.

• As they grow, gradually introduce them to more complex tasks like operating small equipment under close supervision.

3. Use Safety Gear and Guidelines

• Provide appropriately sized gloves, boots, and protective eyewear.

• Train children to follow safety rules, such as turning off equipment when not in use or avoiding sudden movements around animals.

Preventing Accidents in Grain Bins and Near Livestock

Grain bins and livestock are two of the most hazardous areas on a farm, especially for children.

1. Grain Bin Safety

• Grain bins should always be treated as no-play zones.

• Lock access points and use warning signs to prevent entry.

• Educate children about the dangers of grain entrapment, emphasizing that flowing grain can act like quicksand.

• If children are helping with grain-related tasks, ensure they are always supervised and never enter a bin.

2. Livestock Safety

• Teach children to respect animals and recognize their behavior. For example, a cow with her calf or a startled horse can become aggressive.

• Create sturdy barriers and gates to separate children from livestock areas.

• Never allow children to handle large or unpredictable animals alone, even if they are familiar with them.

Building a Culture of Safety for Farm Families

Fostering a safety-first mindset helps children and adults alike navigate farm life responsibly.

Tips for Maintaining a Safe Environment:

• Conduct regular safety talks with the entire family.

• Use real-life examples to reinforce lessons, such as reviewing an incident and how it could have been avoided.

• Invest in safety resources, such as child-specific safety gear and farm safety workshops.

The farm is a wonderful place for children to grow, learn, and thrive, but it’s also full of risks that require attention and planning. By creating safe play areas, assigning age-appropriate tasks, and addressing high-risk zones like grain bins and livestock pens, families can protect their children while fostering a love for agriculture.

Safety is a shared responsibility—let’s work together to make farms safer for the next generation.

Resources for Farm Safety:

• National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety

• Farm Safety 4 Just Kids

• University of Nebraska Extension: Farm Safety Resources

Chemical Safety on the Farm: Handling and Storage Best Practices

Part 3 of the "Promoting Agricultural Safety in Nebraska" Series.

Chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers are critical to modern farming, but their use comes with risks. Exposure to these substances can harm workers, animals, and the environment. Ensuring safe handling and storage practices is essential for protecting lives and maintaining compliance with regulations. Let’s explore best practices for managing these chemicals safely on your farm.

Proper Storage: Complying with Nebraska’s Regulations

Storing pesticides and fertilizers correctly minimizes risks of accidental exposure, environmental contamination, and regulatory penalties.

1. Dedicated Storage Areas

• Designate a well-ventilated area exclusively for chemical storage.

• Keep storage locations away from water sources, livestock, and residential areas.

• Use locked cabinets or rooms to prevent unauthorized access.

2. Labeling and Organization

• Store chemicals in their original containers with intact labels.

• Group chemicals by type (e.g., herbicides, insecticides) to avoid dangerous interactions.

• Keep an up-to-date inventory to track stock levels and expiration dates.

3. Spill Containment

• Use spill-proof shelving and trays to contain leaks.

• Keep spill kits on hand with absorbent materials, gloves, and disposal containers.

• Report spills in compliance with Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) guidelines.

PPE Essentials for Handling Chemicals

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is your first line of defense against chemical exposure. Always wear appropriate gear during mixing, application, and cleanup.

1. Basic PPE Requirements

• Gloves: Use chemical-resistant gloves made of nitrile, neoprene, or rubber.

• Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles or face shields to guard against splashes.

• Respirators: Use respirators approved for pesticide application when working in enclosed spaces or windy conditions.

• Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and boots to reduce skin exposure.

2. Maintenance and Replacement

• Inspect PPE for tears or damage before each use.

• Replace disposable PPE after each use and clean reusable equipment thoroughly.

• Store PPE in a clean, dry area away from chemicals.

First-Aid Measures for Chemical Exposure

Despite precautions, accidental exposure can occur. Being prepared to respond promptly can save lives.

1. Skin Contact

• Remove contaminated clothing immediately.

• Rinse the affected area with running water for 15–20 minutes.

• Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

2. Eye Exposure

• Flush eyes with clean water or an eyewash solution for at least 15 minutes.

• Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the eyes.

• Contact a healthcare provider immediately.

3. Inhalation

• Move the affected person to fresh air immediately.

• Loosen tight clothing and provide oxygen if available.

• Call 911 if symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain occur.

4. Ingestion

• Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional.

• Check the product label for specific first-aid instructions.

• Contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care.

Building a Culture of Chemical Safety

Promoting chemical safety on your farm involves more than following regulations—it’s about creating an environment where safety is prioritized.

Tips for Maintaining a Safe Farm:

• Conduct regular training sessions on chemical safety and handling.

• Display safety posters and emergency contact numbers in visible locations.

• Regularly inspect storage areas and equipment for compliance and functionality.

Safe handling and storage of pesticides and fertilizers are essential for the health of farmworkers, animals, and the environment. By complying with Nebraska’s regulations, equipping workers with proper PPE, and preparing for emergencies, you can reduce the risks associated with agricultural chemicals.

Take the initiative today to review your farm’s chemical safety practices. A safer farm is a more productive farm.

Resources for Chemical Safety:

• Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE)

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pesticide Safety

• University of Nebraska Extension: Pesticide Education