Blog Post: Preparing for Eastern NC Summer Storms and Hurricane Season on the Farm
Hey y’all, it’s Crissy O from Crissy O’s Clucky Chronicles, bringin’ you some down-to-earth advice straight from Eastern North Carolina! Summer storms are rollin’ in, and with hurricane season peakin’ from August to October, it’s time to get our farms—and our flocks—ready. Livin’ here, we know the drill: heavy rain, high winds, and the occasional tropical trouble like Hurricane Florence in 2018, which dumped 30 inches of rain and caused widespread flooding. Let’s talk prep, safety, and keepin’ our hearts calm while the skies rumble.
Why Prep Matters
Eastern NC’s flat lands and proximity to the coast make us prime targets for storms. The National Weather Service says we average 10-15 thunderstorms a year, and with hurricane season bringin’ a 40% chance of a named storm hittin’ our area, bein’ ready ain’t just smart—it’s love for our families and flocks. Floodin’ can rise fast, like the 3-5 feet seen in past storms, so plannin’ ahead keeps us safe and our ducks waddlin’ happy.
Essentials for the Farm
First up, fuel. Keep at least 5-10 gallons of gas stored in approved cans, rotated every few months to avoid spoilage. A generator is a lifesaver—get a 3,000-watt model (around $400-$600) to power lights, fans, and a fridge for your needs. Test it monthly, and store extra oil. Battery-operated lights, like LED lanterns ($20-$30 each), are a must—keep extras with fresh batteries for those dark, stormy nights. For food, stock shelf-stable goods like rice, peanut butter, and dried beans, plus canned veggies and meats (aim for a two-week supply). Rotate these too, so nothin’ goes to waste. Plastic utensils so you don't waste water to wash, paper plates and plenty of cell phone portable chargers and cords.
Hurricane Prep for Animals
Our flocks need special care durin’ hurricane season. The ASPCA recommends movin’ animals to a sturdy, elevated shelter—think a barn or garage at least 3 feet above flood level. For ducks like my Jane Lily, secure their coop with sandbags or plywood against 50-70 mph winds, common in Category 1 storms. Have 1-2 weeks of feed and water (5 gallons per day for 10 ducks) stored in waterproof bins. ID tags or microchips are a good idea—if they scatter, you can find ‘em. During Florence, many lost pets were reunited thanks to this, so if you can, do it.
Staying Safe from Flooding
Floodin’s the big worry here. The National Hurricane Center says to evacuate if water rises above 2 feet, as it can carry debris and pose electric risks. Turn off power at the breaker if floodwaters near outlets—wet wiring killed folks in past storms. Keep a first-aid kit, blankets, and a battery radio ($20) handy. For the flock, raise feed and bedding off the ground—pallets work great. If you can’t evacuate, move to the highest floor, but never drive through floodwaters; just 6 inches can sweep a car away.
Heartwarming Prep
Preppin’ ain’t just chores—it’s peace of mind. Last summer, we weathered a storm with our generator hummin’, lights glowin’, and a pot of canned soup warmin’ us. The flock stayed cozy, and we played cards by lantern light, laughin’ through the rain. It’s about buildin’ memories while stayin’ safe. Check forecasts on weather.gov, and join local weather groups to stay up to date and informed.
Stay safe, love your flock, and I heart you great big!
Crissy O