HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Agriculture Secretary George Greig today urged farmers, particularly in eastern Pennsylvania, to prepare for the potential of heavy rains, flooding and high winds related to Hurricane Sandy.

"Hurricane Sandy has the potential to cause significant damage to crops and property," said Greig. "Farmers should prepare now to minimize losses."

Greig offered the following tips to help agricultural producers minimize damage caused by floodwaters:

• Ensure manure storage area has sufficient capacity, as rains can add to depth.
• Relocate livestock and animals from low-lying, flood-prone areas.
• Move machinery, feed, grain, pesticides, herbicides, forage bales and nursery stock to higher elevation.
• Store enough livestock feed and water for 72 hours.
• Fill generators with fuel and test them to ensure they are in good repair.
• Disconnect electric power to all buildings that may flood.

Crop farmers should:

• Notify their crop insurance agent within 72 hours of discovery of crop damage.
• Leave intact all residue and crop damage until insurance agents can properly assess extent of damage.
• Contact their agent or the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-705-9511 with questions about crop insurance.

For more information, visit www.pema.state.pa.us.

Media contact:Samantha Elliott Krepps, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture