Let’s be real for a moment: Barn and stable fires are horrifying. Not only can you lose your property, there is a great chance of loss of life (equine or human). Fire safety should always be a number one priority for barn and stable owners. That’s why we wanted to share 9 important stable fire safety tips to keep you and your horses safe.
Limit the number of extension cords you use in your stable.
While most of the time extension cords are safe, they can pose a danger if used improperly. According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.”
If you have the luxury of being able to design your barn or add new wiring, be sure to plan out where you will want hard wired electricity sources. But, if you must use extension cords, make sure that you choose ones of appropriate length, power, and durability. Check these extension cords often and remove any dust or debris that may cause the cords to overheat.
Here’s a guide from the New York Times explaining how to pick the right extension cord.
Invest in closed motor fans if you use barn fans in your stable.
When it gets hot in the summer, everyone loves a good barn fan. Whether you get a big one for the aisle or hang smaller ones in the stalls, we all know how beneficial they can be. However, some fans can pose huge fire risks.
Standard box fans you can find in most stores are unsuitable for use as stall fans. Since their motors aren’t enclosed, dust, hair, and other debris can get trapped in them. This can lead to overheating and potentially a fire. Invest in enclosed motor fans to keep your horses cool and safe from fires.
Work hard to keep cobwebs and dust at bay.
Dust can ignite quickly and spread throughout your stable if anything in your barn were to cause a spark. Cobwebs are known for attracting and holding onto dust when left for too long. Make it a part of your routine to keep your barn cobweb and dust free to avoid adding fuel to any potential fires.
Avoid storing hay or extra bedding in your stable whenever possible.
Just like dust, hay, and bedding are extremely flammable and will fuel any fire that may start. Whenever possible, store hay and bedding in a separate designated building to contain any fire that may start.
Remember to never store damp hay in your barn (or anywhere really). Wet hay can heat up and cause devastating barn fires.
Ensure your stable has plenty of easily-accessible fire extinguishers.
Fire extinguishers can help you stop a fire before it spreads. They should be easily accessed by anyone and everyone in your barn should be trained on how to use one!
Check out this handy guide from EquiProtect for more info on choosing the correct fire extinguisher for your barn.
No smoking in or near the barn. DUH!
This one is easy. No smoking in the barn! Ever! Why would you want anyone essentially bringing a matchstick into your barn?
Make sure your stable has an emergency plan and practice it!
If you don’t have an emergency plan in case of fire, you might want to get working on that! Whatever plan you come up with, be sure to practice it! For example, all horses in the barn should be easy to halter and able to be led out in a brisk but calm manner.
Check out this post on how to evacuate during a barn fire!
Invest in quality smart-smoke detectors.
With so many advancements in technology these days, smart-smoke detectors are just a no brainer. There are numerous models to choose from that can alert your phone when a fire may be detected in your barn. Check out this article by The Spruce for information on the best smart-smoke detectors!
Ensure all emergency numbers are clearly posted.
You can’t call for help if you don’t know who to call. Post visible, easy to read signs that display the emergency numbers relevant to your area. As an added measure, have them saved on your phone as well.
Thank you so much for reading about our stable fire safety tips. Let me know if anything in this post surprised you! I’d love to hear from you. What are some things you do at your stable to prevent fires?
We post new content every week!
Check out our previous posts here!
Follow us on Instagram for updates!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for even more content!