Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
16 Disaters
D
epending on where you live, certain natural and man-made disasters may impact your
horsekeeping. Whether wildfire or flood, drought or blizzard, earthquake or hurricane, your
farm could lose power or accessibility or you may need to evacuate. Mental and physical
preparedness is critical. Prepare your facilities, know what to do, and remain calm.
Fire
A fire can be one of the most devastating of life's experiences—physically, financially,
and emotionally. Knowledge, preparation, and forethought, however, can prevent most barn
fires. Fires need a source of heat, oxygen, and fuel. While the heat that starts a barn fire can
be simply sunlight or friction, more commonly it is stacking hay too close to lights that are
left on or electrical failure from rodent-damaged wires or from improperly managed lights
or portable appliances. Fires can also be started by lightning, the open flame of a match
or cigarette, the spontaneous combustion of hay or bedding, and not properly attending the
burning of ditches or garbage.
