Department of Agriculture (DOA): Storm Preparedness Tips for farmers and pet owners
The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture (DOA) offers the following tips to farmers and pet-owners ahead of the passage of Tropical Depression Nine.
Fruit Trees
Cut off all low hanging, dead, and unproductive limbs and branches. Hurricane preparedness notwithstanding the rainy season is the best time of the year for the pruning fruit trees. The greater the resistance of a tree to high winds, the easier it is for that tree to be uprooted.
Bananas and Plantains
With the issuance of a HURRICANE WARNING, it is recommended that farmers chop down all bananas and plantain plants- main stem and suckers – as near to ground level as possible. It is less costly to lose a few bunches and farms will be back in production sooner than if the whole cultivation is uprooted by hurricane force winds.
Trellised plants
The plants should be laid flat on the ground and secured if possible, or simply cut them back.
Seeds
All seeds should be packed in plastic bags and secured in a dry location.
Water Tanks
Tanks that are used for irrigation purposes should be secured or filled up with water to prevent them from being damaged or blown away.
Pesticides
Pesticides should be packed in water proof containers and along with fertilizers, stored in a secure out-building to prevent them from getting wet and contaminated.
Shade Houses
Remove screens and plastic from shade houses if possible, as it will be easier to replace if the screen is not damaged.
Adult Livestock
Adult livestock have inbred instincts that would enable them to survive a hurricane, provided that their movement is not physically restrained. Ideally, livestock should be turned loose in pastures that are not prone to flooding or swept by storm surges.
Young Livestock
Where possible, young stock two months or less should be securely penned with their mother, or otherwise turned loose in a safe and sheltered area that is not prone to flooding or storm surge.
Chickens
Chickens and other domestic livestock should be placed in a safe cage, box or pen that is above possible flood level. Baby chicks however should be kept indoors in a warm dry place.
Pigs
Adult pigs are best kept in their pens. Pig pens are never totally enclosed and therefore are of minimal resistance to high winds. Driving cold rain however could be a serious treat to piglets that are under five weeks old. Where possible, piglets should be confined to a dry and secured area.
General
Most animals and birds have an inbred instinct for sensing the approach of a natural phenomenon such as a hurricane. If restrained, animals will exhibit a restless or nervous behavior. Do not further agitate animals by rough handling, but rather, handling in a calm, firm, and gentle manner. Ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water, and stock up on sack feed for use after a hurricane. Ponds, watering holes and pastures may become contaminated by salt water during a hurricane, and may remain so for a considerable period thereafter.
Farm Buildings
Secure loose boards and roofing sheets which can become dangerous missiles during a hurricane. That extra nail, screw or bolt could mean the difference of a farm building receiving zero damage, total or disintegration during a hurricane.
Pastures
Remove, store and/or secure feed and watering troughs i.e. half drums, bath tubs etc. These can become dangerous missiles. Where it is possible to secure these, fill them with heavy rock to stop them blowing away. Inspect fence posts to ensure that they are properly anchored in the ground. Loose fence posts can become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane.
Pets
Bring all pets indoors, and try to keep them calm and reassured. Remain calm yourself as animals can sense fear.
Dogs with ‘thunder phobia’ or other anxiety disorders need to be monitored closely, as you do not know how they will react to you or your children during a hurricane/storm and may need to be tranquilised. Discuss this information with your veterinarian so that an appropriate management plan can be created.
Pet owners are reminded that it is an offence to tether, confine or keep any animal on a lead under such condition or in such manner as to cause that animal unnecessary suffering. Pets should not be tied outdoors during a storm and should be moved indoors.
Submitted by: Department of Agriculture (DOA, CIG)