Emergency and crisis planning: What every agritourism farm should have in place

1. Identify your farm’s risks

Every agritourism operation is different.  Start by listing ALL potential crises, even if they seem unlikely. Common risk areas include:

• Severe weather (storms, lightning, extreme temps, tornado)
• Fire (structures, fields, vehicles)
• Medical emergencies
• Lost or separated children
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Animal-related injuries
• Equipment accidents
• Chemical or fuel spills
• Traffic or parking-area accidents
• Food safety issues
• Disruptive or aggressive visitors

2. Build an emergency response team

Even a small farm needs clear roles. Identify who will take the lead in different situations. 

Use a simple table to list names, roles, responsibilities, and contact information for each team member. At your location one person might fill more than one of these suggested roles:

• Incident lead: Makes decisions; activates emergency plan

• Communicator: Calls 911 or responders; communicates internally

• Customer guide: Manages visitors and directs them to safety

• Operations lead: Handles utilities, gates, livestock, and equipment

• Documentation lead: Records details for insurance and follow-up

• Public information lead: Handles any media inquiries, public-facing statements, and responses to community questions after the incident is under control. Ensures messaging is accurate, brief, and consistent; may coordinate with insurance or legal advisors before speaking publicly.

Medical emergencies

Plan for:

• Staff trained in first aid/CPR
• First aid kit & AED locations
• The best place for EMS (emergency medical staff) to access
• Procedures for assisting while keeping others safe
   

5. Communication strategies

Clear, consistent communication reduces panic and helps staff, visitors, and first responders take the right actions quickly. Your plan should outline how information will be shared internally and externally.

Internal communication

• How emergencies will be announced (radio, text, codes)
• Who activates the emergency plan
• Staff responsibilities and handoff points
• How staff confirm tasks are completed

Guest communication

• Prepare short, calm scripts for:
• Fire evacuation
• Weather emergencies
• Lost or separated child
• Medical alerts

Public and media communication

Designate one spokesperson to handle all media and public-facing statements. All other staff should use a simple reroute phrase such as: 

“I’m not the right person to speak on this, but I can connect you with the person who is.”

Key messages and actions

Before an incident occurs, identify:

• The key messages staff should convey during different types of emergencies
• Who needs to be contacted (internal and external) and who is responsible for communication
• Who will serve as the public spokesperson
• What follow-up communication may be needed with customers, neighbors, or community partners

Sample initial statements

These templates can be customized and kept in your emergency plan for quick use.

Generic incident statement

“We are aware of the (incident description) that took place (time and location). Our first priority is the safety and well-being of our visitors, staff, and community. We are working closely with (agency/agencies) to understand the situation, and we will share information as it becomes available.”

Inappropriate behavior by an employee or guest

“We are aware of a situation involving an employee/volunteer/visitor during our (event or location). While we do not discuss individual disciplinary matters, appropriate action has been taken. Any specific questions should be directed to the appropriate investigating authority.”

Injuries

“We understand that (number or description) people were injured and are receiving care at/being transported to (medical facility). At this time, we will defer to (agency) for updates on their condition. Our primary concern is for those involved. Portions of our facility (state which areas) will remain (open or closed) while we work with responders.

6. Supplies and readiness

Important items to have:

• First aid kits (at least one trauma-specific kit with a tourniquet)
• AED, if possible
• Fire extinguishers
• Flashlights and backup batteries
• Radios or communication devices
• High-visibility vests
• Cones/signage for crowd movement
• Backup power or heating/cooling

7. Practice, review, and update

• A plan is only useful if your team knows it.
  • Include it as part of all new employee training 
• Walk through evacuation routes
• Review roles at staff meetings
• Run tabletop “what if” scenarios
• Update the plan annually
• Revise after any incident
• Invite local responders to provide feedback
• Identify where the plan will be stored and who will maintain it.
   

Helpful planning guide

Use Extension's worksheet as the base emergency plan for your farm.

Download a copy to fill and print for your records.