Fire Safety

By Lisa Kiley | https://www.cashmans.com/

The idea of a barn fire is one of the most horrific things that a horse owner can think of It is something that none of us hope to see in our lifetime, but sadly, if a tragedy like this has affected you or someone you know, it is something that will never be forgotten. Considering the damage and loss that a fire can cause in mere minutes, it should be on the forefront of our minds when it comes to fire prevention and safety in the barn. No matter how big or small the facility, there are many things that can be done to help minimize cases of fire and help us to be prepared in case one does break out when every precious moment counts. Here are a few simple things to consider when thinking about fire plans and prevention for your barn.

Make A Plan – Preparedness for any situation starts with a good plan and fire is no exception. It is important to work through a plan for what should be done in case of a fire that is tailored to your facility There are plenty of opportunities to seek out fire safety training at the local level and if your facility is larger, you may want to invite a walk-thru to help spot any problem areas. Even a simple map with exits noted and locations of fire extinguishers can be a huge timesaver in case of an emergency. Everyone who frequents your barn – family, clients, barn help – should at least know the basic fire plan for the barn.

Fire Extinguishers – While the hope is that you would never need to use one, would you know how to in a critical situation? Having fire extinguishers in the barn is a great start but knowing how to use them is key They should be easily accessible, up-to-date, and the appropriate size for the area. Check them annually and go over instructions for use so that they can be quickly deployed if needed.

Ban Smoking – Any open flame in or near a barn can be a hazard but preventing that flame by banning smoking on the property is an easy step to take to prevent needless fires. There are too many things around a barn that when hit with a poorly extinguished cigarette could cause irrevocable damage. Make sure to post ‘No Smoking’ signs around the barn as a reminder for any visitors.

Egress Options – Having multiple exits in a barn is important. Access doors from each stall to the exterior of the barn can be very helpful in removing animals to safety when every second counts. Make sure all doors can be opened easily without obstruction and that hardware and latches are high quality and in good repair Thoughtfully consider where equipment and vehicles are parked so that exterior barn exits are never blocked should animals need to be removed quickly or fire trucks should need to gain access. In a busy barn, marking exits is a necessity

Up-To-Date Electric – Ensure electricity in the barn is up-to-date and up to code. Don't think that just because you flip a switch and it works that it is safe. In new construction, seek out safety options that can be installed from the beginning In older barns, it may be time to have an electrician come out and update. Always use a licensed electrician and make sure that they have a good understanding of how the flow and function of your barn works on a dayto-day basis to provide you with the best safety options for your barn and horses.

Multiple Electric Outlets – Additional outlets are safer because they reduce the need for extension cords or power strips. Anytime there is a reduction in the use of extension cords, it helps mitigate the risk of fire. Never string multiple cords together and if you must use an extension cord, make sure that it is suitable for agricultural use. It is also a good idea to unplug any items from an outlet that are not being used. Covers over the outlets prevent dirt, dust and other contaminants from getting in.

Look for Damage and Keep it Clean – When doing daily chores, always be on the lookout for any damaged cords or wires and replace them immediately. Keeping electrical cords out of the reach of horses is important, but also keeping an eye out for damage caused by rodents is imperative. Wiring that is encased in metal conduit can help prevent issues with chewed wires. Keeping the barn clean by removing dust and cobwebs on a regular basis can help prevent fire and allow you to see if there is any damage that you may not otherwise notice.

Store Flammables Away from the Barn – Many of the items that we use daily in horse keeping can be very flammable. Whenever possible, store hay and bedding in separate buildings away from the barn. Hay and bedding should be checked regularly to make sure that no heat is being generated which can lead to spontaneous combustion. Manure piles can also be a source of heat, so they should be far enough away from the barn and monitored closely. Keep flammable liquids and equipment that utilizes them properly stored in a separate building away from the barn.

Seasonal Considerations – In the winter, using electric buckets or tank heaters is critical to ensuring that horses have a consistent source of water during freezing temperatures. It is important to inspect these devices regularly to make sure that they are in proper working order. Look for items that have safety shut offs and make sure that you are following the manufacturer's instructions for usage. There are some options like thermal buckets that don't require electricity at all and can be a great choice for mitigating risk.

While fire is something that horse owners never want to think about happening in their barn, taking the time to think about all the ways fire can be prevented should be at the forefront of your mind. With a few easy adjustments you can make your barn safer every day. These are just a few basic things to consider, there are many more ways to help prevent fire in your barn. Reach out to your local fire department for more information and resources.

Lisa Kiley is a horse enthusiast who has worked in the equine industry and shown horses for many years. She is also a proud member of the Cashman's Horse Equipment Team in Delaware, OH. Cashman's Horse Equipment proudly provides top quality products to the equine and agricultural community, with a commitment to sourcing environmentally conscious merchandise and items made in the U.S.A

Visit: https://www.cashmans.com/ Lisa and Cotton

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