Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• Keep your barn clear of dust, cobwebs, and chaff, especially on light fixtures. Keep debris
from accumulating in and around the barn. This includes loose hay, manure, lumber, oily
rags, and twine. Manure should be removed daily to a site away from the barn.
• Grass around the barn should be mowed regularly so there is at least a 40-foot fire strip
along each exterior wall.
• Locate any gas pumps or storage tanks at least 50 feet from the barn.
• Park machinery and vehicles at least 12 feet from the hay and stable.
• Store combustible fluids, such as insecticides, clipper wash, pesticides, and veterinary
supplies, in tight containers and in small quantities. Store large quantities away from the
barn.
• Lightning rods, antennas, and wire fences that are attached to the barn must be grounded.
A lightning rod should have an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label ensuring that the rods
and the grounding element have been made to safe specifications.
• Consider installing a fire detection system. Household smoke detectors don't work well
in barns, as dust can make them inoperable. Choose one that is specially designed for barns
and is easy to recognize and hear. You can have it sound in the barn, the yard, the house,
and/or an alarm company.
• Consider installing a fire-fighting system such as sprinklers if your water supply system
can support one. If you are on city water, a sprinkler system would probably work, but a
domestic well would likely not provide the necessary volume and pressure. Be sure the
sprinkler system is freeze-protected, because if it is not, once it freezes, breaks, and thaws,
your barn will be flooded. Automatic chemical-spraying systems are self-contained and
work much as the dry-chemical handheld extinguishers do.
EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS
Prepare for the worst, and practice. It may take several hours to run through your plan the
first time, because you will undoubtedly come up with more questions that need answers.
And certain parts of the plan may need changes. After a few run-throughs, things will go
smoothly and you will gain an added measure of confidence that will help you in the event
of a real emergency.
