#coldweathersafety — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #coldweathersafety, aggregated by home.social.
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Housing and Space Guidelines for Livestock
HousingFarm animals need some kind of shelter to escape the elements. It is commonly thought that winter is the most important time to provide shelter, but an animal’s natural coat can allow them to tolerate much colder temperatures than people can. Summer heat can be harder on animals than winter if shade is not available to them, either by trees or structures if they are out on pasture. Similarly, lack of ventilation in a barn or building can also be detrimental to animal health. Many livestock animals like pigs and rabbits do not sweat, which increases the risk of heat stroke and decreases overall production. A simple, three-sided shelter with an open front will meet the needs of many farm animals on pasture and is often the building of choice to raise healthy livestock. When designing a three-sided animal shelter, make sure the open side faces south, away from prevailing winds. Locate the structure on an elevated, well-drained site and keep winter access in mind for feeding and water handling.
*Refer to the Manual of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Agriculture in New Hampshire for specific guidelines on proper animal waste handling and barnyard management. For a print copy of the manual, contact the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, at 603-271-3551.
There are several factors to consider when planning adequate livestock shelter in cold weather:
- Air quality: Animal shelters should be open, providing natural ventilation, or enclosed, using fans and proper air inlets around the ceiling perimeter to provide good air circulation. Tight buildings result in a buildup of respiration gases, and animal odors, which can irritate the animal’s lungs and cause pneumonia. Dangerous ammonia levels1 can also build up and lead to suffocation death of animals and their caretakers.
- Drafts: Animals can stand cold temperatures, but you should protect them from drafts. Constructing panels in front of an open building can reduce drafts. Consider drafts at animal height, not person height. When animals are allowed to run loose in a pen instead of being hitched, they will search for the most comfortable spots as needed.
- Dry bedding area: Animals will be far more comfortable in the cold if they have clean, dry bedding. A thick, dry bed provides insulation from the cold ground and decreases the amount of energy the animal has to expend to keep warm. Shelter from the snow and rain allows an animal’s coat to remain dry, which provides maximum insulating value.
- Fresh water: All animals need water to survive. Under cold conditions, provide fresh water often or use freeze-proof watering devices. Animals will drink more when water is 50°F.
- Adequate food: Animals can endure severe cold temperatures if they eat enough food (energy) to maintain their energy reserves (body fat). Animals need energy for growth, maintenance and production. Extra energy is expended to keep warm. Therefore, they will require additional amounts of good quality feed during cold weather. For herbivores, free choice hay in hay racks should be supplied in addition to a species-appropriate concentrate or prepared ration."
#AnimalSafety #ColdWeatherSafety #AnimalSafetyTips #ArcticBlast #Homesteading #PolarVortex
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Housing and Space Guidelines for Livestock
HousingFarm animals need some kind of shelter to escape the elements. It is commonly thought that winter is the most important time to provide shelter, but an animal’s natural coat can allow them to tolerate much colder temperatures than people can. Summer heat can be harder on animals than winter if shade is not available to them, either by trees or structures if they are out on pasture. Similarly, lack of ventilation in a barn or building can also be detrimental to animal health. Many livestock animals like pigs and rabbits do not sweat, which increases the risk of heat stroke and decreases overall production. A simple, three-sided shelter with an open front will meet the needs of many farm animals on pasture and is often the building of choice to raise healthy livestock. When designing a three-sided animal shelter, make sure the open side faces south, away from prevailing winds. Locate the structure on an elevated, well-drained site and keep winter access in mind for feeding and water handling.
*Refer to the Manual of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Agriculture in New Hampshire for specific guidelines on proper animal waste handling and barnyard management. For a print copy of the manual, contact the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, at 603-271-3551.
There are several factors to consider when planning adequate livestock shelter in cold weather:
- Air quality: Animal shelters should be open, providing natural ventilation, or enclosed, using fans and proper air inlets around the ceiling perimeter to provide good air circulation. Tight buildings result in a buildup of respiration gases, and animal odors, which can irritate the animal’s lungs and cause pneumonia. Dangerous ammonia levels1 can also build up and lead to suffocation death of animals and their caretakers.
- Drafts: Animals can stand cold temperatures, but you should protect them from drafts. Constructing panels in front of an open building can reduce drafts. Consider drafts at animal height, not person height. When animals are allowed to run loose in a pen instead of being hitched, they will search for the most comfortable spots as needed.
- Dry bedding area: Animals will be far more comfortable in the cold if they have clean, dry bedding. A thick, dry bed provides insulation from the cold ground and decreases the amount of energy the animal has to expend to keep warm. Shelter from the snow and rain allows an animal’s coat to remain dry, which provides maximum insulating value.
- Fresh water: All animals need water to survive. Under cold conditions, provide fresh water often or use freeze-proof watering devices. Animals will drink more when water is 50°F.
- Adequate food: Animals can endure severe cold temperatures if they eat enough food (energy) to maintain their energy reserves (body fat). Animals need energy for growth, maintenance and production. Extra energy is expended to keep warm. Therefore, they will require additional amounts of good quality feed during cold weather. For herbivores, free choice hay in hay racks should be supplied in addition to a species-appropriate concentrate or prepared ration."
#AnimalSafety #ColdWeatherSafety #AnimalSafetyTips #ArcticBlast #Homesteading #PolarVortex
-
Housing and Space Guidelines for Livestock
HousingFarm animals need some kind of shelter to escape the elements. It is commonly thought that winter is the most important time to provide shelter, but an animal’s natural coat can allow them to tolerate much colder temperatures than people can. Summer heat can be harder on animals than winter if shade is not available to them, either by trees or structures if they are out on pasture. Similarly, lack of ventilation in a barn or building can also be detrimental to animal health. Many livestock animals like pigs and rabbits do not sweat, which increases the risk of heat stroke and decreases overall production. A simple, three-sided shelter with an open front will meet the needs of many farm animals on pasture and is often the building of choice to raise healthy livestock. When designing a three-sided animal shelter, make sure the open side faces south, away from prevailing winds. Locate the structure on an elevated, well-drained site and keep winter access in mind for feeding and water handling.
*Refer to the Manual of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Agriculture in New Hampshire for specific guidelines on proper animal waste handling and barnyard management. For a print copy of the manual, contact the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, at 603-271-3551.
There are several factors to consider when planning adequate livestock shelter in cold weather:
- Air quality: Animal shelters should be open, providing natural ventilation, or enclosed, using fans and proper air inlets around the ceiling perimeter to provide good air circulation. Tight buildings result in a buildup of respiration gases, and animal odors, which can irritate the animal’s lungs and cause pneumonia. Dangerous ammonia levels1 can also build up and lead to suffocation death of animals and their caretakers.
- Drafts: Animals can stand cold temperatures, but you should protect them from drafts. Constructing panels in front of an open building can reduce drafts. Consider drafts at animal height, not person height. When animals are allowed to run loose in a pen instead of being hitched, they will search for the most comfortable spots as needed.
- Dry bedding area: Animals will be far more comfortable in the cold if they have clean, dry bedding. A thick, dry bed provides insulation from the cold ground and decreases the amount of energy the animal has to expend to keep warm. Shelter from the snow and rain allows an animal’s coat to remain dry, which provides maximum insulating value.
- Fresh water: All animals need water to survive. Under cold conditions, provide fresh water often or use freeze-proof watering devices. Animals will drink more when water is 50°F.
- Adequate food: Animals can endure severe cold temperatures if they eat enough food (energy) to maintain their energy reserves (body fat). Animals need energy for growth, maintenance and production. Extra energy is expended to keep warm. Therefore, they will require additional amounts of good quality feed during cold weather. For herbivores, free choice hay in hay racks should be supplied in addition to a species-appropriate concentrate or prepared ration."
#AnimalSafety #ColdWeatherSafety #AnimalSafetyTips #ArcticBlast #Homesteading #PolarVortex
-
Housing and Space Guidelines for Livestock
HousingFarm animals need some kind of shelter to escape the elements. It is commonly thought that winter is the most important time to provide shelter, but an animal’s natural coat can allow them to tolerate much colder temperatures than people can. Summer heat can be harder on animals than winter if shade is not available to them, either by trees or structures if they are out on pasture. Similarly, lack of ventilation in a barn or building can also be detrimental to animal health. Many livestock animals like pigs and rabbits do not sweat, which increases the risk of heat stroke and decreases overall production. A simple, three-sided shelter with an open front will meet the needs of many farm animals on pasture and is often the building of choice to raise healthy livestock. When designing a three-sided animal shelter, make sure the open side faces south, away from prevailing winds. Locate the structure on an elevated, well-drained site and keep winter access in mind for feeding and water handling.
*Refer to the Manual of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Agriculture in New Hampshire for specific guidelines on proper animal waste handling and barnyard management. For a print copy of the manual, contact the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, at 603-271-3551.
There are several factors to consider when planning adequate livestock shelter in cold weather:
- Air quality: Animal shelters should be open, providing natural ventilation, or enclosed, using fans and proper air inlets around the ceiling perimeter to provide good air circulation. Tight buildings result in a buildup of respiration gases, and animal odors, which can irritate the animal’s lungs and cause pneumonia. Dangerous ammonia levels1 can also build up and lead to suffocation death of animals and their caretakers.
- Drafts: Animals can stand cold temperatures, but you should protect them from drafts. Constructing panels in front of an open building can reduce drafts. Consider drafts at animal height, not person height. When animals are allowed to run loose in a pen instead of being hitched, they will search for the most comfortable spots as needed.
- Dry bedding area: Animals will be far more comfortable in the cold if they have clean, dry bedding. A thick, dry bed provides insulation from the cold ground and decreases the amount of energy the animal has to expend to keep warm. Shelter from the snow and rain allows an animal’s coat to remain dry, which provides maximum insulating value.
- Fresh water: All animals need water to survive. Under cold conditions, provide fresh water often or use freeze-proof watering devices. Animals will drink more when water is 50°F.
- Adequate food: Animals can endure severe cold temperatures if they eat enough food (energy) to maintain their energy reserves (body fat). Animals need energy for growth, maintenance and production. Extra energy is expended to keep warm. Therefore, they will require additional amounts of good quality feed during cold weather. For herbivores, free choice hay in hay racks should be supplied in addition to a species-appropriate concentrate or prepared ration."
#AnimalSafety #ColdWeatherSafety #AnimalSafetyTips #ArcticBlast #Homesteading #PolarVortex
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#WinterWeatherSafety - #Vermont Emergency Management
"Winter Storms
Be a good neighbor - Check on elderly or special needs relatives, friends, and neighbors, to make sure they are keeping warm safely and have sufficient food and water.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. CO poisoning can mimic flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Higher levels of exposure result in disorientation, drowsiness, and unconsciousness. If you experience any symptoms leave the home and contact help.
Ensure all heating vents are clear of snow or other obstructions. Even if you don’t see significant snowfall, blowing snow can block heating vents. Blocked vents can lead to Carbon Monoxide buildup in the home. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors now.
If you use a generator, ensure it is used outside, away from open windows, doors, or air intakes. Exhaust from a generator or heating source can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide in the home, which can be deadly.
Take it easy while shoveling. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death during the winter.
Be prepared. Have a well-stocked Winter Home Emergency Supply Kit that includes flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food.
See https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/climate/winter-weather for more health safety information.
Power Outages
If you see a downed power line, leave it alone – always treat power lines as if they are live. A live wire can kill you.
If clearing trees or limbs make CERTAIN they are not in contact with a power line. Trees and branches can conduct electricity and electrocute you on contact.
Report outages to your power company.
Make sure your pipes are insulated. If your pipes freeze, know where the water shut off is and never use a blow torch or other open flame to thaw the pipes out. A hair dryer is one safe way to take care of the problem.
Never use an “improvised” heat source like grill or oven as they can be fire or carbon monoxide hazards.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from any heat source.
Travel
Check weather and road conditions before you leave.
Slow Down: Driving too fast on wintry roads is the leading cause of crashes.
Travel at a safe distance of at least 3 car lengths, leaving plenty of room to stop.
Clear all snow and ice from the vehicle prior to travel.
Be aware of black ice on what appears to be bare pavement.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in deep snow, do not let your engine idle if your exhaust pipe is buried. Idling with a buried exhaust pipe could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carry a cell phone and use 911 in case of an emergency, but do not become over dependent on a cell phone.
Flares or reflectors.
General Preparedness
Ensure your home has a sufficient supply of whatever you use as “fuel” to heat your home.
Have extra items on hand in case you can’t leave your house for a while.
Flashlight
Batteries
Battery powered radio
Water
Non-perishable foods
View a complete list from ready.govAsk your town where the nearest warming shelter would be should it be needed. Vermont 2-1-1 has a list of shelters when there are shelters open.
Winter Weather Terms
Freezing rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways
Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground causing roads to freeze and become slippery
Winter Weather Advisory: Cold temperatures, ice and snow are expected
Winter Storm Watch: Severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two
Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected
Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon
Blizzard Warning: Heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill
Translations in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, French, Kirundi, Nepali, Pashto, Somali, and Spanish are available as well.
Source:
https://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness/winter#WinterWeather #WinterPreparedness #ExtremeCold #ColdWeatherPreparedness #ColdWeatherSafety #ArcticBlast #PolarVortex