FARM PROTECTION TIPS FOR LIVESTOCK AND PRODUCTION FARMERS DURING A TROPICAL STORM

As the hurricane season progresses, plan ahead; protect what matters, be calm and be prepared. The Agricultural Protection Branch of The Jamaica Constabulary Force has issued some tips for Livestock and Production farmers as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches.

Here are some tips to stay ready:

1. Secure early and stay informed.

• Follow official updates from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, ODPEM, and APB social media pages.

• Activate your farm emergency plan immediately after a storm warning is issued.

• Ensure contact information for RADA Extension Officers, APB Wardens, and local police is easily accessible.

2. Protect livestock.

• Move animals to higher ground or sheltered pens away from flood-prone areas.

• Improve animal housing with sturdy roofing, wooden supports, and windbreaks.

* Mark all livestock for post-storm identification and to prevent theft.

* Use waterproof containers to store feed and clean water for at least 72 hours.

• Let animals roam freely in safe pastures instead of tying them to trees or unstable fences.

* Keep track of animal counts before and after the storm.

3. Protect produce and crops.

* Harvest mature produce early to minimize losses.

* Remove weak or diseased plants that may become projectiles.

• Stake young plants and secure greenhouse structures.

• Keep drainage channels and furrows clear to avoid root rot.

• Store harvested crops and inputs (e.g., fertilizers, seeds, pesticides) in a dry, well-ventilated area.

* Cover produce with tarpaulin or waterproof sheeting.

4. Protect farm equipment and infrastructure.

• Relocate tractors, irrigation pumps, and vehicles to elevated, protected areas.

• Shut down electrical systems and close fuel valves.

* Anchor or chain metal roofs, gates, and water tanks.

• Back up digital records (ABIS, NAITS, RADA registration, invoices, and receipts).

• Photograph assets before the storm for insurance or damage assessment.

5. Prevent theft and unauthorized access.

* Coordinate with APB Area Agricultural Protection Units to conduct farm patrols before and after the storm.

• Do not share your evacuation plans or stored produce quantities.

* Report suspicious activity to 119 or the APB hotline immediately.

• Add motion sensor lights, solar cameras, or community watch systems.

* Establish community-based warden networks to protect common grazing lands.

6. Recovery after the storm

• Do not return to the farm until authorities have declared it safe.

• Be alert for downed power lines, unstable trees, or flooding.

* Document damage with photographs and written reports.

• Contact RADA, MOAFM, or APB for assistance or recovery support.

• Implement mosquito and rodent control measures to prevent disease.

• Do not use spoiled feed or contaminated water for animals.

7. Community and Agency Coordination

• Participate in local Farm Watch Groups supported by the APB and Parish Agricultural Societies.

• Work with RADA Parish Officers, NWA, and Parish Disaster Coordinators.

• Attend training sessions on farm risk management and security.

• Ensure APB identification and farm permits are up to date for quick verification.

8. Emergency contacts

* APB Command Center:

* ODPEM number: 876-906-9674.

* Rada Parish Office:

* JCF Police Emergency: 119.

* MOAFM Rural Agricultural Development Authority website (rada.gov.jm)