Fire Safety
Sarah sat down with Chief John Oravez of the Sedalia, Colorado fire department and here are some of his recommendations for optimal safety efforts in horse barns.
Ask your local fire department to come for an annual inspection. Some may charge, but having those eyes could help!
- Do not put holiday lights on your barn.
- Anything with strong power should be plugged in should be into a GFI on a good standard outlet, not directly into a wall outlet.
- Do not park Golf carts, ATV's, etc inside the barn. *Especially anything with a lithium battery*
- If using an extension cord for anything make sure to purchase proper amp load, and unplug it from wall after use each time to keep power "cold".
- Make sure to have a very visible numerical address on your entrance for the fire department or other emergency aid to locate you quickly.
- Fire extinguishers at all exits and outside laundry rooms, and make sure to have 1) proper size extinguisher for space 2) have read instructions and know how to use 3) point the extinguisher down when using, as source of fire is low while smoke and flames are high 4) have your extinguishers annually inspected
- If the barn is heated, make sure you know what the manufacturer recommendations are for installation and servicing; follow those guidelines. Most will say yearly, fire department even suggests 2x a year. Make sure you know how /where to change your heater's filters and do this every 3 months.
- Store your hay in a separate building.
- Keep interior doors closed to help prevent spread of flames in the event of fire. This will slow progression.
- Store your power tools with batteries, combustibles, and flammables (gasoline, diesel, spray cans, etc) in a separate building, and have it labeled with a hazmat sign for the Fire department to be aware in case of fire.
- Have exterior doors on each stall and practice with your horse going in and out of this door so they are aware they can exit out it in case of panic.
- Having a swamp cooler will raise humidity above 18% which is a critical level in dry climates.
- Although in many states a sprinkler system is not required (in Colorado they are required for commercial buildings or where a living quarters is present) a sprinkler system will help assist in slowing down a fire and allow for more time to evacuate. It can take 15-20min of burning to have a building be a total loss. Time is of the essence.
- Batteries over 7 years old are an inherent risk of exploding. Replace batteries often.
- Smoke sensor beams are the best way to detect smoke and alert a fire department promptly but are difficult with dust so making sure the dust is tended to regularly.
- Do not leave Bemer blankets plugged in overnight and unattended. Their battery is too strong to risk becoming too hot.
Ask your local fire department to come for an annual inspection. Some may charge, but having those eyes could help!
In loving memory
In loving memory of these beautiful horses and barn cats lost but not forgotten in the November 27, 2023 fire.
- Great Bear Lake
- Rayban
- Sorrento
- Riazul
- Rising Tide
- Dinkas de Monfirak
- Nacho
- Rupert
Check out this great resource
HorseAlert is a community-based equine emergency evacuation system.
HorseAlert connects people who need help evacuating horses with people with the skills and equipment necessary to help during emergencies.
facebook
instagram
twitter