Risk & Business Magazine Miller Insurance Summer 2019 Magazine | Page 8

BARN FIRE SAFETY
B
Barn Fire Safety
arn fires can be devastating for
farmers with loss of livestock,
building and equipment, but
there are steps that owners can
take to reduce the risk. Almost
half of all barn fires are caused by faulty
electrical systems; regular maintenance and
inspection are crucial to reducing the risk.
the fire trucks can get in to? Response
time is critical and can be delayed if
firefighters have to search for “Green
Haven Farm” or “Maple Acres.”
•
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE YOUR
RISK?
•
•
Be prepared. Train family and staff on
what to do, including how to manage
livestock and who to contact. By the
time firefighters arrive wearing their
bulky breathing apparatus, with sirens
blaring and lights flashing, it may be
impossible to lead panicking animals
to safety. Be sure to identify a safe
meeting place.
Location. Is the municipal sign (Green
Sign Number) clearly visible, at the
correct driveway – the driveway that
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An equalized electrician should
routinely (at least annually) inspect
any electrical appliances installed in
the barn, such as water heaters, pipe-
heating tape, insect-control devices
and portable heating units. Enclose
all electrical wiring in metal or PVC
conduit, and disconnect and store all
radios, clippers, extension cords and
similar portable appliances when not
in use.
• Ensure you have adequate fire
extinguishers, and that they are in
good working order.
• Monitor your heat conditions using
infrared technologies.
• Keep feed, hay, straw and flammable
liquid away from the main barn. The
amount of hay stored in any area where
livestock is present should be limited.
Smouldering hay is very hard to put out
and creates a lot of smoke
•
•
Cover light bulbs to protect them
from dust, moisture and breakage.
Consider switching from incandescent
to cool-to-the-touch LED lighting.
Good Housekeeping. A clean barn
is a safer barn. Portable heaters,
wiring gnawed by mice, the presence
of combustibles near heat sources
– including cobwebs festooning
incandescent light bulbs; extension
cords used in place of proper wiring;
even spontaneous combustion in hay
stored while still damp, have all been
identified as causes of fire.
Contact your local fire department to
inspect your property to identify problem
areas and provide recommendations for a
fire prevention plan. Have your plan ready
to deal with any emergency. +