Subject 8. Insurance, Records and Planning

Think through what you would need to do in an emergency to protect people, animals, and your business and property. Make a list of the actions you, your family and employees would need to take. Write down and keep handy important information you would need if something went wrong. An example is your list of emergency telephone numbers. Be sure that all family members and employees know where to find the information.

Spill Response Plan

Spills of manure, fuel, fertilizer or pesticides can endanger humans, Well-hidden permanently installed mailbox
animals, your property and the environment. Damage from spills may also be a liability threat to your business. What would you do if a vandal opened the valves on your pesticide or fuel tank?

Develop a plan to handle spills quickly and efficiently. Your plan of action might include

  • A detailed map of storage sites and application areas, including
    • A list of equipment and materials you would use to contain the spill, and their location.
    • Containment strategies (like dikes and berms), including strategically placed extra soil that can be shoved into ditches or creeks to form a temporary dam downstream.
  • A list of your state laws regarding spills. It is your responsibility to know the laws for your state; who to report the spill to; and the required steps for cleaning up a spill.
    • For example: A Wisconsin state law regarding a manure spill - caused by you or by sabotage - requires that the spill and run-off be immediately reported to the Department of Natural Resources Spill Reporting Hotline.
  • A list of of neighbors or equipment rental businesses, including telephone numbers and names, from whom you can borrow or rent equipment to contain the spill.
  • A clean up plan that includes actions such as soil removal and disposal, based on the kinds and amounts of materials you regularly use and/or store.