Preparing for a winter storm doesn’t just mean keeping the dog and cat warm. In rural areas of Altoona, Pennsylvania winter weather is also a major concern for livestock. It’s important for livestock to have a sheltered area where they are able to escape when a storm hits. Professionals recommend a shelter belt, rather than a shed. The shelter belt, combined with a durable outdoor heating mat or blanket and extra feed, will go a long ways towards keeping animals healthy.

Unlike a regular electric blanket, the outdoor heating mat is made specifically for wear and tear. Depending on the size of your shelter belt, multiple outdoor heating blankets can be strung together to accommodate varying needs. Operation is as simple as providing a 120 v outlet power source.  Additional blankets should be added if your livestock are showing signs of hypothermia such as uncontrollable shivering, frequent stumbling or a lurching gait.

Another winter problem caretakers of livestock have is keeping a suitable water supply available. This is especially important when considering that most animal deaths in winter storms are the result of dehydration. An outdoor heating blanket can also be used to prevent barrels or troughs of water from freezing and provide a source of heat for the livestock at the same time.