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Next, determine how many appliances you want to run at the same time and add or total the wattage. The size of generator must be such that it will start and run the necessary equipment. If you get a generator that is too small to run refrigerators and freezers, they will try to start, but the voltage will drop and their motors will overheat and burn out. If you cannot find the wattage, an estimate can be made from the following: Typical Equipment Wattages Essential
home equipment Typical
wattage refrigerator
400-800 freezer 600-1,000 furnace blower
400-600
A transfer switch is an essential part of standby electric power equipment. The National Electric Code and electric power suppliers require that a generator be properly connected to the electric system with a transfer switch to prevent any accidental inter- connection of the generator and the power supplier's power lines. Otherwise, feedback from the generator onto the power lines can endanger the life of anyone working on the lines. The transfer switch also prevents accidental re-energizing the farm equipment or appliances and destroying the standby generator when regular power is restored. What to do when a disaster is impending? If you must evacuate, take enough hay, feed and water for your animals for a minimum of 48 hours. A very rough rule of thumb is that an average adult goat will need 4-5 quarts of water per day and 6 pounds of hay. Also, don't forget basic biosecurity measures --especially if you know your herd is under quarantine or has a communicable disease. When facing high winds, such as in a hurricane, secure all loose materials on your farm. Either move them indoors or tie them down. Flying debris can cause you or your goats injury as well as damage your farm structures and equipment. Secure and store temporary fencing materials to permit quick, temporary fence repairs. Select fence systems that will contain goats without access to electricity. Permanent repairs can be made at a later date. Obtain film for your camera and camcorder to document storm damage. If time permits, take pictures of your structures prior to the storm. Review your insurance policy to determine storm coverage then document damage accordingly. What to do after the disaster? Check fences and make sure that they are intact. Check pastures and fences for sharp objects and debris that could injure livestock. When there are damaged and down trees, you need to be aware of the possibility of cyanide poisoning from ingestion of wilted leaves of trees that produce stone fruit (wild cherry, peach, plum, etc.), and/or red maple leaves. Cyanide poisoning symptoms include: weakness, excitability, grasping for breath, incoordination, collapse, convulsions, constipation or diarrhea, bloody urine, and death. Symptoms may result from as little as a few mouthfuls of leaves on an empty stomach. If you are without water for an extended period, contact your local fire department to request water delivery. Most fire departments will accommodate if you have a large number of animals and are experiencing a prolonged power outage. Make certain you have containers available to hold the water. If animals are lost, contact veterinarians, humane societies, stables, surrounding farms and other facilities. Listen to the Emergency Broadcast System for groups that may be accepting lost animals. In summary, disasters are an inevitable fact of life. However, with a little planning you can make sure that you are properly prepared to deal with these disasters and provide the best care possible for your goats. Sources: The Humane Society of the United States Offers Disaster Planning Tips for Pets, Livestock and Wildlife – Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Preparedness Guidelines for Livestock Owners - Indiana State Board of Animal Health Hurricane Preparations for Horse Farms – North Carolina Cooperative Extension Jackie Nix is an Agricultural Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. You may e-mail questions to her at Jackie_Nix@ncsu.edu . This and other goat related information can be found at her website at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/lenoir/staff/jnix/Ag/Goat/
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