Section 1. Your Security Plan

Farm security should be built into your operation's every day routine.

Safety and Security Checks

Approach your local fire department, law enforcement officials Well-hidden permanently installed mailbox
and EMS personnel about visiting your farm for a safety and security check. A visit to the farm by local responders is good training for everyone. Responders can help you identify your premises' unique challenges. The greater the number of emergency response personnel who participate in your farm review, the greater the chance is that one of them will be a first responder if you actually have an emergency.

Point out pesticides and hazardous materials that may be stored on the farm and provide instructions for handling farm equipment such as PTOs. Share your farm map and ask for advice on how to make it more useful to them. Show them the locations of

  • Water mains
  • Electrical control boxes
  • Fuel and chemical supplies
  • Emergency mailbox
  • Livestock

Since firefighters are often the first to respond to an emergency, encourage them to write an emergency “pre-plan” for your farmstead. Responders who take the tour may offer valuable suggestions for enhancing your farmstead safety and security.

Be sure to ask your fire chief and law enforcement officials to safeguard your critical security information to avoid compromising your assets. Donʼt divulge security details to people who donʼt need the information.