Barn fires can be devastating, physically, financially and emotionally. What can you do to cut the risk?
Approximately 40 per cent - a main cause of all barn fires, are caused by faulty electrical systems. Regular inspection of barn electrical systems is a good place to start when it comes to cutting the risk.
Here is what the Canadian Farm Builder Association suggests to prevent this devastating impacts of a barn fire from occurring on your farm:
- Have your buildings inspected and maintained regularly by a licensed electrical contractor.
- Develop a preventative maintenance and housekeeping schedule to reduce the risks of a fire.
- Monitor the heat conditions of your barn using infrared technologies.
- Work with your local fire department and insurance company to identify problem areas on your farm and fix any problem areas identified.
- Have a plan ready to deal with any emergency.
- Train your family and employees on what to do if there is a barn fire.
- Plan what to do about livestock, who to call and establish a safe meeting point.
Industry, livestock and government organization resources for barn fire prevention are available, like the Canadian Farm Builders Association (CFBA) at cfba.ca and Tool of the Month at Equine Guelph, thehorseportal.ca/course/fire-emergency-preparedness-w21/