Photo courtesy of MDBarnmaster.
Winter may be here, but it’s never too late to winterize barns for safety. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), defective or improperly used heating equipment is the number one cause of barn and stable fires.
During cold winter months, stable owners may rely on space heaters, heated buckets, portable water heaters or other such equipment. Each of these, if defective or improperly used, can present an increased fire risk.
NFPA also reports that nearly half of all barn and stable fires occur between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., when there is less likely to be a watchful eye present. Additionally, more stable and barn fires happen during the months of January, February and March, times when those devices are used but barn traffic is still light.
To keep your horses safe this winter, here are some tips to winterize your barn:
1. Inspect all electrical equipment thoroughly when it is put into use. Then, inspect this same equipment on a regular basis throughout the winter or months of use.
2. Do not use equipment or cords in poor condition. Avoid running excessive electrical cords.
3. Have working fire extinguishers in the barn and make them easily accessible. Check fire extinguishers periodically as part of your regular maintenance and
4. Make sure electrical fixtures in the barn are free of dust, dirt, cobwebs, chaff, hay or other combustible materials.
5. Keep your barn clean and as free of dust, trash, oils, cleaning rags and other fire hazards as possible.
6. Keep barn aisle ways clear.
7. Have a barn evacuation plan in the event of a fire.
8. Keep halters and leads easily accessible to each horse in case a quick evacuation is needed.
9. Store fuel or fuel tanks well away from the barn.
10. If possible, store hay and other combustibles in a separate structure.
11. Barns can be retrofitted with sprinkler systems. New barns may be built to include these.
One of the best ways to decrease the risk of a tragic barn fire is to make sure your barn and stalls are the safest choice possible. Barns and stalls available from MDBarnmaster greatly reduce fire risk.
MDBarnmaster barns have a 0% fire-spread rating. This means that even if a fire starts in a hay pile or elsewhere, it will not spread beyond the original source. This can mean the difference between life and death for your horses.
Combined with a stall system that has been perfected over the last 30 years, MDBarnmaster barns offer peace of mind to horse owners and equine professionals.
To learn more about MDBarnmaster’s Kick-Proof, Chew-Proof and 0% Fire Spread barn, click the banner below.
