Hurricane Prep Guide for Agriculture Producers

Disaster Aid and Tips for 2025 Hurricane Season

With hurricane season approaching running from June 1 through November 30 the USDA is urging farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to prepare and become familiar with available recovery resources.

Steps to Prepare

• Create an Emergency Plan: Ensure everyone on your farm or in your household knows the emergency plan, including meeting points, contact lists, and alternate evacuation routes.

• Secure Property and Remove Debris: Flying debris is a major hazard during hurricanes. Secure equipment and clear drainage areas like ditches and culverts to reduce flood damage.

• Document Inventory and Records: Keep detailed records of your farm’s assets—buildings, equipment, vehicles, and livestock. Use photos, videos, or written lists. Store copies in multiple locations, including cloud storage.

• Review Insurance Coverage: Check your insurance policies to confirm adequate protection for crops, livestock, equipment, and buildings. Be aware that new policies may not cover damage from storms already forecasted.

• Stock Emergency Supplies: Prepare essentials like water, canned food, flashlights, batteries, fuel, and cash in case of power outages.

• Stay Informed: Download the FEMA app for real-time updates and safety tips before, during, and after a disaster.

USDA Support and Resources

The USDA offers several programs through its Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Risk Management Agency (RMA) to assist with disaster recovery.

• Insurance and Risk Protection: If you have Federal Crop Insurance, report damage within 72 hours and follow up in writing within 15 days. For those with Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index (HIP-WI) or Tropical Storm coverage, payments are typically issued within weeks.

• Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): Report losses to your local FSA office and file a Notice of Loss within 15 days (72 hours for hand-harvested crops).

• Disaster Assistance Programs: FSA offers emergency loans and recovery programs for crops, livestock, and infrastructure losses. NRCS provides technical and financial help through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Emergency Watershed Protection Program to restore land and protect communities.