Perhaps one of the most frightening scenarios for any equestrian is a barn fire. It’s important to take every precaution possible in order to prevent barn fires; continue reading to learn more.
How To Prevent Barn Fires
The best thing you can do to keep your barn protected from the possibility of fire is to instill strict guidelines and rules.
Below are some top fire prevention tips for the barn:
- Prohibit smoking on the entire property
- Ensure that all vehicles, fuel, and unnecessary electrical equipment is stored outside the barn
- Ensure that all loose hay or straw is constantly swept up from the aisles, crossties, and wash bays
- Eliminate clutter; all items should have an organized, designated area
- Ensure that all exit and entry points in the barn are always clear
- If possible, store hay and bedding away from the barn. Many facilities choose to have separate buildings specifically built for this purpose, away from the main barn to ensure that in the case of fire, there is no chance of the fire posing a direct threat to the horses
- Ensure that all electrical areas in the barn are up to standard and have any electrical work done by a licensed professional
- Use only heavy duty extension cords and unplug when finished
- Fans should be thoroughly cleaned every few months
- Installing lightning rods on the roof of the building will help limit the chances of fire due to lightning strike
Planning Ahead
Unfortunately, though we may take extensive precautions, no barn is fireproof. It’s for this reason that it’s crucial to always plan ahead for worst-case scenarios.
Make sure that all staff, riders and trainers are knowledgeable on your safety regulations and precautions. Hang notices around the barn as a reminder, and be sure to keep multiple easily accessible fire extinguishers.
It’s generally recommended that extinguishers be kept every 40 feet within the barn, and are inspected at least once each month.
Have your barn inspected regularly to ensure that everything is up to scratch and poses no risk or threat.
Investing a bit of money for regular inspections can save you an astronomical amount of time, money, and heartache in the future.
For an extra layer of protection, reach out to your local fire department and ask if they have any additional recommendations for preventing fires in the barn.
It’s likely that they’ve seen a thing or two and will be able to provide you with valuable tips and information.
Be sure to have a plan in place for everyone to follow in the case of fire. Keep emergency numbers posted throughout the barn, accompanied by the barn’s address for whoever may need to place a call.
Following the tips you’ve learned here, you will be much more prepared for preventing a fire in your barn.
The safety of you, your staff, boarders, and of course the horses is always number one priority; be sure to set guidelines and rules for your own barn.
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