Flood Safety and Response for Ranchers

Flash flooding is one of the most dangerous weather hazards in Texas, with low-water crossings and sudden creek rises claiming lives every year. Ranchers working in flood-prone areas need specific knowledge to stay safe.

Understanding Flood Risks

Types of Flooding on Ranches

• Flash floods: Sudden, violent floods from heavy rain upstream
• River flooding: Gradual rise over hours or days
• Sheet flooding: Wide, shallow water flow across fields
• Stock tank overflow: Dam failures during heavy rain

"Turn Around, Don't Drown"

• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down
• 2 feet of moving water can float a vehicle
• Most flood deaths occur in vehicles attempting water crossings
• Never drive through flooded low-water crossings, even if you've driven them before

Pre-Flood Preparation

Know Your Property

• Identify low-lying areas that flood first
• Map out high ground for livestock evacuation
• Know which roads become impassable in floods
• Mark locations of low-water crossings on your regular routes

Infrastructure Preparation

• Maintain clear drainage channels and culverts
• Ensure stock tank spillways are functional
• Grade roads to minimize washout damage
• Install flood gauges at critical crossing points

Livestock Planning

• Designate high-ground holding areas
• Pre-position portable fencing for emergency pens
• Ensure trailers are accessible and road-worthy
• Have a realistic animal evacuation priority list

During Flood Conditions

Personal Safety

• Never wade into floodwater - it may be deeper than it appears
• Watch for downed power lines in flooded areas
• Be alert for displaced wildlife, especially snakes
• Stay off already-damaged roads

Vehicle Safety

• If water is rising around your vehicle, abandon it and move to higher ground
• Never drive around barricades at flooded roads
• If swept into water, escape through windows if doors won't open
• Wear your seatbelt - it keeps you positioned to escape

Livestock Management

• Move animals to high ground before flooding begins if possible
• Do not attempt to move livestock through flooded areas
• Open gates to allow animals to seek their own high ground
• Your life is more valuable than your livestock

After the Flood

Immediate Safety

• Do not return to flooded areas until officially cleared
• Assume all water is contaminated
• Watch for undermined roads, bridges, and embankments
• Do not enter buildings until structural safety is confirmed

Water System Recovery

• Test all well water before allowing livestock to drink
• Pump out and clean stock tanks before refilling
• Inspect pond dams for damage and erosion
• Flush water lines before use

Livestock Recovery

• Account for all animals - check with neighbors for strays
• Examine livestock for injuries, hypothermia, and stress
• Provide clean water and quality feed
• Monitor for disease outbreaks in following weeks
• Document losses thoroughly for insurance claims

Property Assessment

• Photograph all damage before cleanup
• Check fencing and repair breaks to contain livestock
• Inspect equipment for water damage
• Look for erosion damage to pastures and roads

Building Flood Resilience

Long-Term Property Improvements

• Elevate critical equipment and hay storage
• Install sump pumps in flood-prone buildings
• Consider flood insurance even if not in a mapped flood zone
• Plant riparian buffers along waterways

Emergency Supply Kit

• Keep supplies on high ground or in a portable container
• Include water, food, medications, and first aid supplies
• Have battery-powered radio and flashlights
• Keep important documents in waterproof storage