Clemson Extension offers guides for before, during and after hurricanes

Published: August 24, 2011

CLEMSON — Natural disasters like hurricanes and floods usually don’t give us much time to act. That’s why it is vital to plan ahead. 

Being prepared can save you, your family and your animals a great deal of stress. Develop a plan, stick with your plan and, most important, be safe.

The Clemson University Extension Service, Livestock Poultry Health and the S.C. Department of Agriculture have developed a set of guides and fact sheets to help with hurricane emergencies for South Carolina residents and the media.

“We are committed to helping South Carolinians get ready for hurricanes and to deal with the aftermath,” said Steven Meadows, Extension chief operating officer. “We are here to help. If you cannot find the information you need, call the Clemson University Cooperative Extension office in your county or call the state office at 864-656-3382.”

Partnering with Clemson Extension and Livestock Poultry Health, the S.C. Department of Agriculture has information for emergency planning.

“People should not wait until an evacuation order is given to think about how to deal with their livestock, pets and property,” said S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. He added that reviewing family emergency plans, checking emergency supplies and contact information are keys to making sure everyone remains safe and sound.

The following websites provide information for many of the hurricane issues homeowners, farmers and livestock producers may face, including evacuation plans for livestock and pets, food safety and dealing with the aftermath:

Clemson University Extension Service

• Comprehensive list of hurricane planning and response guides: http://www.clemson.edu/extension
• Direct link:http://www.clemson.edu/extension/ep/hurricane.html

Clemson Livestock Poultry Health

• Preparing for hurricane season: http://www.clemson.edu/public/lph/ahp/emgcy_prep/season.html
• Hurricane planning for horse and pet owners: http://www.clemson.edu/public/lph/ahp/emgcy_prep/season.html
• Pet-friendly hotels: http://www.clemson.edu/public/lph/ahp/emgcy_prep/pethotels.html
• Animal/agriculture emergency response plan: http://www.clemson.edu/public/lph/ahp/emgcy_prep/index.html

S.C. Department of Agriculture

• Main webpage, go to hot topics section, items in red: http://agriculture.sc.gov/
• Emergency tips for equine owners: https://agriculture.sc.gov/emergencytipsforequineowners
• Evacuation routes: http://www.sctraffic.org/
• Equine emergency evacuation sites: https://agriculture.sc.gov/equineevacuationsites 

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South Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
South Carolina Cooperative Extension is based at South Carolina’s two land-grant institutions, Clemson University and South Carolina State University, in all 46 counties and at the five Clemson University research and education centers. Focusing upon research-based information in agriculture, environment, food safety and nutrition, economic and community development and youth and families; the Cooperative Extension Service engages citizens to help build a better South Carolina.