- No Smoking
- No Trash Burning
- No Parking within 15 feet of the barn (including blacksmiths).
Numbers one and two are a given, but as far as farrier parking, if you barn doesn't boast a separate shoeing shed, it could be tricky to ask your farrier to park this distance away - a good farrier may make many trips to the anvil to adjust shoes for each horse, and especially if your cross ties are not right on the end of the aisle, your risk of a cranky farrier might be worse than the risk of barn fire!
Tools for Fire Prevention:
- Early detection systems (smoke detectors)
- Sprinkler system (cha-ching!)
- Fire Extinguishers
- Keep hoses attached to water source
- Have access to an alternative water source like a pond (where no hydrants are available)
- Have halters hanging at each stall
These are all excellent points. Be sure to treat ponds and standing water for mosquitos to reduce the transmission of disease (and the high annoyance factor).
Organize Stored Materials to Reduce Risk:
- Store hay and bedding as far as possible from the horses or in a separate building (listen for the sounds of you barn staff groaning) and only stack dry hay.
- Store chemicals and fuel away from the barn.
- Keep the barn dust down.
An often overlooked note for this time of year is the dust that collects in and around barn fans. Clean the fans before turning them on in late spring!
Have an Escape Plan:
- Call 911 if you see smoke or fire.
- Make sure there are two exit points in each banr.
- Designate a meeting place away from barns for head-counting.
- Post the exit plan at each barn door with the address of the facility.
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photo courtesy of the Cape Cod Fire Department
