Disaster Preparedness Toolkit | Farmer Veteran Coalition

Farmer Veteran Disaster Preparedness Toolkit

A comprehensive, printable + digital workbook for farms and ranches operated by veterans, military families, and rural communities.

How to Use This Toolkit

Your Disaster Organizer

Include copies of each of the following vital documents, as listed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Your family will need these documents to put your lives back together if your home is devasted by a flood, fire, tornado, hurricane, or other extreme weather event.

Legal/Identifying Documents

Driver’s licenses
Birth Certificate
Adoption papers
Social Security Cards
Passports
Citizenship papers (green card or naturalization documents)
Marriage license
Divorce decrees
Child custody papers
Current Military ID
Military discharge (DD Form 214)
Medical and vaccination records for animals along with current photos and ID chip numbers in case you are separated.
Wills (including trusts, living wills, advance directives)
Financial records (copy)
Health insurance cards/papers
Personal insurance records

Property Documents/Items

Title/deed of house (copy)
Mortgage papers/rental agreement (copy)
Mortgage discharge document.
Key to safe-deposit box
Spare house key
Externa drive/cloud service information containing documents/photos.
Homeowner insurance paperwork (copy)
Tax records (copy)
Vehicle titles (copy)
Photographs of household possessions
Receipts for expensive items
Cash
Credit Cards

Evacuation/Vehicle Items

Evacuation/storm surge maps
Copy of vehicle insurance/registration
Copy of roadside assistance card

Pet-Related items

Photograph of you and pet
Pet license/registration (copy)
Pet adoption paperwork
Pet first aid book/pamphlet
Pet medical records and vaccination papers (copy)
Pet microchip number

Due to pets identification collars and tags being lost during an emergency situation it is useful to have your pet microchipped. Microchips are designed to last for around 25 years period it is very important to remember that just having the chip is not enough it is essential that you fill out the paperwork that comes with the chip and send it to the registry or fill out the form online if that is an option. Some microchip companies charge a one-time registration fee, while others charge an annual fee. FEMA also recommends taking a picture of you and your pet together. In the event of an emergency in which you and your pet are separated, this photo will help you establish ownership and allow others to help you identify your pet.

All of these documents Should be contained in a sealable plastic bag so that they are protected from water damage. Other documents including insurance policies homeowners, renters, flood, earthquake, auto, life, health, disability, long term care, have at least the policy number and insurance company contact information for each type of coverage. It is recommended that you save these files on the cloud and on a thumb drive. The thumb drive should go inside a sealable plastic bag to ensure its safety before it goes into the plastic pocket in your organizer. The original copy should be kept in a safe deposit box in the bank another copy could be given to family members who do not live with you, and the third copy should be filed away in a flood-proof fireproof box in your Home Office. You can keep a key to the safe deposit box in the pocket of your disaster organizer.

Family Medical Information

(One for each family member)
Complete medical information contains your current conditions, medications, vaccinations, and a family medical history. Traditionally, a family medical history is a complete record of health information from three generations of relatives. This assist doctors in understanding any genetic predispositions your family might have to illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain types of cancer and diabetes. Knowing each family’s history of hospitalizations, surgeries commas and addictions may also help first responders determine how best to proceed.

Two-Week Survival Kit

The most likely emergency that will result in an extended period of home-based sheltering is an outbreak or a pandemic. Most other emergencies will only involve sheltering or time before evacuating, and you can utilize your 72-hour kit which is discussed following this section. For an outbreak or pandemic situation, however, you may have to quarantine or isolate for a longer period, and there may be a run on necessary supplies at local stores, and there might be some warning ahead of time period for this reason, it is helpful to maintain at least two weeks of supplies on hand at all times.

Food and Water Checklist

Canned vegetables, fruits, beans, and meat
Frozen vegetables, fruits, and meat
Dry staples such as rice, beans, flour, pasta, and sugar.
Refrigerated staples such as milk, butter, cheese, and eggs.
Fresh produce like potatoes, apples, carrots, etc
Snacks like granola bars, cereal, candy, or chips specialty foods, like formula, baby food, or protein drinks, for particular family members
Pet food and supplies
Other_____

Household Supplies Checklist

Unscented liquid household chloride bleach
(5-6 percent concentration of sodium hypochlorite)*
Hand soap, hand sanitizer
Disposable gloves
Hand sanitizer
Shampoo and conditioner.
Contact lens solution, extra pair of glasses.
Toothpaste
Feminine supplies
Dishwasher soap
Laundry soap
Paper towels and toilet paper
Diapers and wipes
Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Garbage bags
Other_____

* You can always consider additional cleaning supplies but note that not all cleaners kill all microorganisms. This is why chlorine bleach is on the list because it kills just about every microorganism, including Ebola.

Tools and Equipment Checklist

Flashlights and extra batteries
Fire extinguisher
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask
NOAA weather radio or batter powered hand crank radio
Wrench or pliers
Local maps
Cell phone charger packs or solar chargers
Other_____

Your 72-Hour Survival Kit Bug-Out Bag

Goal: Sustain people, critical animals, and essential operations for 3 days without outside help.

Having an emergency supply kit may be crucial to your survival. A 72-hour kit, or Bug- Out Bag, is a great way to store important supplies in a convenient, organized way. All members of your family should have their own kit. This way, when a disaster strikes and you need to leave your home, each person can quickly grab his or her bag, be ready to leave, and have the assurance of knowing that they will have some basic items to make the relocation more tolerable.

The kit should be stored in something that is waterproof and easy to grab and carry in a hurry. Some people like to use 5-gallon buckets for their 72-hour kit while others prefer basic yet sturdy backpacks. The following section lists some ideas about the supplies you would want to place in your kit, but you should also customize the list for your family and its specific needs. Your kit should be stored in an easily accessible location that will be minimally affected by any damage done to your home.

People & Pets

Water: 1 gallon/person/day-3 days (add 50% in heat); bowls for pets
Non‑perishable food (ready‑to‑eat + can opener)
- Snacks- Protein or granola bars, trail mix, dried fruits, unsated nuts, candy bars, beef jerky, and juice boxes.
- Nonperishable foods-Canned meats, beans, and stews, powered milk, tuna pouches, dehydrated vegetables, dehydrated camping meals

The foods you choose to put in your seventy-two-hour kit should be easy to prepare and pack and should provide you with the calories, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and fats you need to survive during an emergency. Also, remember to adjust your supply list according to your family members ‘needs.

First aid kit + personal meds (7–14-day supply), copies of prescriptions
Seasonal clothing, sturdy boots, gloves, rain gear, eye/ear protection

In an emergency situation, having warm, dry clothing and blankets can be crucial to survival-and can provide comfort in unfamiliar surroundings. For each member of your family, you should include the following clothing and bedding supplies, depending on your climate.

Change of clothes, including pants, shirt, underwear, hat, hiking socks, etc.
Fleece jacket or sweatshirt
Comfortable hiking boots
Raincoat or poncho
Wool blankets or emergency heat blankets
Tarp, to lay on damp ground or protect your from rain.

Hygiene and sanitation (wet wipes, trash bags, portable toilet, or buckets)
Headlamps, flashlights, spare batteries; whistle, multi‑tool, flares, lighter, fire extinguisher, matches in a waterproof container, portage chargers, solar recharging units.

There are many different shapes and styles of flashlights, but the main difference is the size and weight of flashlight you want to carry, along with the level of brightness. In addition to not breaking easily, many LED flashlights also can last for about ten thousand hours of use. Lithium-ion powered flashlights are recommended for experts for use in very cold weather and as a flashlight kept at disaster shelters, because they last for a longer time under harsher circumstances.

Cash (small bills), IDs, insurance cards
Miscellaneous supplies
- - Can opener
  - Dishes and Utensils
  - Folding shovel
  - Radio (with batteries)
  - Pen and Paper
  - Ax
  - Pocketknife
  - Rope
  - Duct Tape
  - Map and Compass
First Aid Kit-Make sure to take your entire supply of any life-sustaining medication. It is wise to keep an additional three-month supply of prescription medications in your home in case of emergency. Here is a list of basic over-the-counter medicines and supplies you should include in an emergency first aid kit for your family.

Emergency Kit for your Car

You can still be adequately prepared for an emergency situation by keeping your car in good running condition. According to dmv.org some of the most important factors to check before any road trip are your GPS system, engine oil level and cleanliness, tire condition, antifreeze coolant level, brake and power steering fluid levels, windshield washer reservoir, CV joints, electrical equipment, transmission fluid, and belts.

If you or someone in your family does have some automotive know how it will be very useful to prepare toolkit for dealing with potential emergencies on the road. Even if you do not have car repair knowledge, having a toolkit will not hurt and might ultimately be beneficial. Ask your mechanic what items would be most suitable for your toolbox and store them in your car. The following are some items that may be recommended:

Adjustable wrench: get a high-quality wrench that will fit practically every bolt.
Two screwdrivers: one flathead, one Phillips-head
Screw holders
A pair of vise-grip pliers.
Ice Scraper
Gauges
Tire Repair Kit
A combination set of fuses
Duct tape
Jumper cables
Rage for touching hot hoses and for cleanup.
Waterless hand cleaner
Extra engine oil
Premixed coolant
Safety Items-Flares, flashlight, safety triangles, safety vest

Your Car

Use this section to record some of the basic information about your car and any other vehicles your family might have. In your emergency organizer you should also store a spare car key, as well as copies of each vehicles registration and insurance. If you have AAA or other roadside assistance membership, also place a copy of those membership dockets inside your emergency organizer.

Car Make/model/year: ______________________________________________
Car Registration number: ____________________________________________
Car Insurance company name, agent name, and telephone number- ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Policy Number: ____________________________________________________
AAA or other roadside assistance membership number: _________________________________________________________

Itemizing Your Possessions

Having proof of the items you own will be valuable in the future insurance claim you may need to make. If you take a video, you should narrate as you go from room to room, describing each item and any distinctive features. You can store video footage on a small computer hard drive and keep it in your 72-hour kit or inside the pocket of your emergency organizer. You should also itemize your possessions in a written list it is recommended that you write down the items brand and model name, serial number, purchase price, and date of purchase, if known. This will take more time, but any details you have about your possessions can be helpful in a time of emergency. One useful way to categorize these felonies is to organize the list by room.

Evacuating Your Family

In an evacuation situation, having a well thought out plan and being prepared are central to getting to safety. Follow these guidelines provided by FEMA for emergency evacuation:

Plan where your family will meet during an emergency evacuation. Choose more than one location, both within and outside of your immediate vicinity.
Keep 1/2 tank of gas in your car at all times, and a full tank if an evacuation seems imminent. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies or may be unable to operate during powder outages.
Learn about alternative routes and other means of transportation away from your area. Establish several destinations in different directions to ensure that you will have options in an emergency.
Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by extreme weather conditions. Follow the evacuation routes recommended by your state government officials. Do not take shortcuts, as these streets may be blocked. Be on the lookout for hazards on the road, such as washed-out roads or bridges or downed power lines. Do not drive on flooded roads, or in areas where you see or anticipate flooding up ahead.
Take your 72-hour emergency kit and your first aid kit if time permits you to do so safely.
if you do not have a car, plan how you will evacuate if you need to. Make arrangements with family, friends, or local officials.
Take your pets with you. Plan beforehand where they will stay during an emergency.

Farm/Ranch Supplement

Every farm should have a written, posted emergency action plan that outlines what to do in case of fire, flood, power outage, or hazardous spill. Just as important as having the plan is assigning clear roles and backups. Who moves livestock? Who operates the generator? Who calls neighbors or agencies? When everyone knows their responsibilities, precious minutes are saved in a crisis. Regularly reviewing and practicing these assignments makes sure the plan stays fresh and workable.

Generator Serviced & Fuel Stabilized

Backup power is a lifeline for farms. A generator can keep freezers cold, wells pumping, and essential barn circuits functioning. Servicing your generator twice a year ensures it will start when needed. Fuel should be treated with stabilizer and rotated to prevent degradation. Extension cords and transfer switches must be properly rated to handle the load. A generator that fails during an emergency is not just an inconvenience—it can mean major losses in livestock, crops, and revenue.

Water Resilience for Livestock

Animals cannot wait for power to return or pipes to thaw. Farms should store enough water to supply their herds for at least 72 hours, with alternate systems such as storage tanks, gravity-fed lines, or pond pumps. Spare float valves and water distribution parts should be on hand since these are common failure points during high stress events. Planning ahead for how you will water your animals if wells, pumps, or pipelines go down can make the difference between survival and loss.

Biosecurity and Disease Preparedness

Emergencies often disrupt normal routines and can create conditions for disease to spread. Having disinfectants, boot baths, and personal protective equipment staged ensures you can control access to barns and pens. A dedicated sick pen with clear protocols helps isolate animals quickly. Biosecurity readiness protects herd health, prevents long-term financial losses, and helps keep local food systems safe during a disaster.

Fire Preparedness on the Farm

Wildfires and barn fires can spread in minutes. Maintaining defensible space around outbuildings, installing spark arrestors on tractors and small engines, and keeping extinguishers mounted on equipment are practical, lifesaving steps. Loose hay, fuel, and bedding should be stored away from ignition sources. Fire preparedness is not just about property—it is also about giving people and animals time to evacuate safely.

Flood & Wind Protection

High water and high winds can wreak havoc on farms. Chemicals, fuel, and feed should be stored above flood levels. Tanks and panels must be strapped or secured so they do not float or blow away. Identifying safe high-ground pastures and securing portable shelters can protect animals from injury. Preparing now minimizes cleanup and prevents environmental hazards after a storm.

Livestock Movement & Evacuation Plan

When minutes matter, you need a plan for moving animals. Pre-identify pastures, pens, or neighboring facilities where livestock can be relocated. Keep trailers road-ready with inflated tires, working lights, and fuel. Have halters, lead ropes, and portable panels staged for quick loadout. A rehearsed livestock evacuation plan prevents chaos and reduces stress on both animals and handlers.

Data Redundancy & Record Protection

Farm records are vital in recovery. Cloud-based backups paired with offline hard drives or USBs ensure you do not lose herd books, seed orders, or financial data. Insurance companies and lenders will want proof of assets, so keep digital and hard-copy inventories with photos of buildings, animals, and equipment. Protecting your records protects your ability to bounce back after disaster.

Neighbor & Vendor Mutual Aid Network

No farm operates alone. Establishing a phone tree with neighbors, veterinarians, feed dealers, and equipment suppliers builds a safety net. Whether you need extra trailers, water tanks, or veterinary assistance, mutual aid makes response faster and more effective. Many rural communities already practice this informally—formalizing it strengthens resilience and ensures no one is left scrambling during a crisis.

Farm Ops

☐ Fuel (diesel/gas/propane) safely stored; stabilizer; spare filters
☐ Generator (load‑tested) + extension cords, transfer switch
☐ Water access (gravity, hand pump, stored totes)
☐ Fencing repair kit; tarps; sandbags; bales for windbreaks
☐ Animal feed/hay (minimum 3–7 days)
☐ Portable corral/panels; halters/lead ropes; livestock first aid
☐ Communications: charged handhelds, power banks, analog radio
☐ Printed maps, evacuation routes, rendezvous points
☐ Tractor/ATV readiness checks
☐ Fuel for irrigation pumps and rural fire protection equipment

Documents (waterproof pouch)

☐ Farm map, field IDs, herd lists, brands/tags, vaccination records
☐ Deeds/leases, insurance policies, titles/registrations
☐ Vendor accounts, banking info, blank checks (limited)
☐ Contact tree (see next section)
☐ USDA/FSA program applications and forms pre‑filled where possible

Farm/Ranch & Rural Contact Tree

Primary Rally Point: __________________ Alternate: __________________

Incident Roles

Incident Leader: __________________ Alt: __________________
Safety Officer: __________________ Alt: __________________
Animal Ops Lead: __________________ Alt: __________________
Crop/Infrastructure Lead: __________________ Alt: __________________
Logistics/Fuel/Power: _______________ Alt: ____________________
Comms/Admin/Finance: __________________ Alt: __________________

Call‑Down List (post at office + bunkhouse + barn + rural community center)

911 (life/safety)
County Emergency Management: __________________
Vet (large animal): __________________
Utility (electric): __________________ | Gas/Propane: __________________
Irrigation/Water District: __________________
Insurance Agent/Claims: __________________
Neighbors/Mutual Aid Partners: __________________
Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Office: __________________
Rural Fire Department / Volunteer EMS: __________________
Cooperative Extension Office: __________________

Hazard Profile & Mitigation Worksheet

Additional Rural Community Preparedness

Transportation & Isolation Risks

☐ Maintain fuel reserves; rural gas stations may close during disasters
☐ Map multiple evacuation and supply routes (paved + gravel)
☐ Coordinate with county road crews for snow/flood clearance

Communication in Remote Areas

☐ Satellite phone or text‑based satellite messenger
☐ CB or HAM radio license and rural repeater maps
☐ Designated check‑in times with neighbors and family out of town

Community Mutual Aid

☐ Establish agreements with rural neighbors for livestock evacuation, childcare, and fuel sharing
☐ Identify local churches, community centers, and fairgrounds as safe havens
☐ Community grain bin or cold storage sharing agreements for post‑disaster food security

Food Preservation & Rural Resilience

☐ Freezers with generator backup; pressure canners and propane stoves
☐ Shelf‑stable food storage (canned meats, vegetables, dairy alternatives)
☐ Backup water purification: filters, tablets, boiling equipment
☐ Seed saving and on‑farm seed banks for post‑disaster replanting

Children, Elders & Disability Considerations

☐ Pediatric and geriatric medical kits (formula, mobility aids, extra blankets)
☐ Clear instructions for caregivers, respite support in rural areas
☐ Pre‑arranged rural transport for wheelchair‑bound or home oxygen users
☐ Create a buddy system so no vulnerable individual is left isolated

Mental Health & Peer Support (Expanded)

Immediate Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Veterans: dial 988, then Press 1) or 1-800-273-8255 Press 1 or text to 838255.
National Farmer Veteran Coalition 855-FVC-FARM

Farm & Rural‑Specific Support

State farm stress assistance hotlines.
Cooperative Extension rural resilience programs
Faith‑based and veteran peer groups in rural counties
Local 4‑H/FFA/Grange chapters for youth resilience activities

Recovery Strategies

Normalize stress injuries as part of disaster response.
Include community potlucks and barn‑raisings as post‑disaster morale boosters.
Consider equine therapy, hunting/fishing retreats, and peer outdoor groups for recovery.

Rural Utility & Energy Resilience

☐ Solar with battery storage for water pumps and lighting
☐ Wind or micro‑hydro if available
☐ Fuel rotation log (mark last fill, stabilizer use)
☐ Coordinate with rural electric cooperatives for restoration priority

This toolkit is designed not only for farmer veterans but also for ranchers and rural residents, helping entire communities prepare, endure, and recover.

This toolkit draws inspiration from: The Family Disaster Organizer (Allison Steward, MPH), The Ultimate Prepper’s Survival Guide (James Wesley, Rawles), and The Survival Handbook (Colin Towell). See the References section for notes on adaptation to farm/ranch and rural community operations.

The mission of Farmer Veteran Coalition is to cultivate a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and develop viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. We believe that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems. We believe agriculture offers purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits.

Farmer Veteran Coalition

Our Resources

FVC Membership

Farmer Veteran Coalition is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization assisting veterans–and currently serving members–of the armed forces to embark on careers in agriculture. With a nationwide network of more than 30,000 veterans—and growing—we’re helping America’s bravest men and women serve our country a second time, by feeding it.