fireproof your barn, ways to fireproof barn, barn safety, fire barn safety, cut risk of barn fire, how to prevent barn fire
Environs�
By Jessica Jahiel, PhD
Fireproof Your Barn
A barn fire is every
horse owner’s worst
nightmare. Your
stalled horse is particularly
vulnerable,
because barns are
packed full of combustibles.
Here are 12
lifesaving fire-safety
tips.
1 Ban smoking.
Make your barn
a “no smoking” area — no exceptions. Post
no-smoking signs in high-traffic areas in and
around your barn, and enforce the ban.
2 Clean up. Keep your barn tidy, uncluttered,
and clean. Eliminate piles of scrap
lumber, half-used bags of grass seed, empty
feed bags, gasoline cans, etc.
3 Remove cobwebs and dust. The cobwebs
that accumulate in barns are flammable,
and they trap dust, bits of hay/straw,
and particles of bedding — more fire hazards!
Add dusting and cobweb removal to
your daily barn-cleaning routine. A long-handled
feather duster is ideal for dusting light
fixtures; a light broom is useful for stall grilles,
walls, and corners. Pay special attention to
light fixtures, outlet covers and switches —
and don’t forget to dust the panel boxes.
4 Remove flammables. Store combustible
materials (hay, bedding, fuel, chemicals,
paint, and gas-powered equipment) at least
50 feet from your barn.
a barn fire is a horse owner’s worst nightmare.
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5 Enclose electrical
wiring. Enclose
all permanent
wiring in PVC conduit.
(Stay away from metal
conduit — your barn’s
humidity will lead to
corrosion.) Use extension
cords only when
absolutely necessary,
and then use only
heavy-duty models
designed for outdoors. Be careful with seasonal
items, such as fans and water heaters; use
conduit to protect these cords, too.
6 Don’t overload circuits. Use as few
electric appliances as possible, and disconnect
those not actually in use. Avoid heat
lamps, which can start a fire. If you must use
one, keep it away from hay and bedding, and
never use an extension cord. (Adding extra
sockets increases fire risk and can invalidate
your fire-insurance policy.)
7 Enclose stall lights. Install wire or metal
mesh cages to cover those overhead
lights, which will help keep your horse from
contacting and breaking them. Consider
replacing all of your barn light bulbs with
plastic-coated safety bulbs. And while you’re
at it, check that the bulbs you’re using are the
correct wattage!
8 Watch fuel and fumes. Refuel your
equipment outside your barn, and be
careful when you drive your tractor, mower,
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