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Get Your Barn Ready for Winter with Equine Guelph's New Barn Fire Prevention ToolSeptember 2016
Story: Equine Guelph
If you have a farm, you have combustibles that need to be stored properly, electrical wiring that requires proper installation and maintenance and a host of appliances that may or may not be safe for use, says Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph. The key to reducing the risk of fire is education focusing on prevention. We are pleased to partner with Heartland Farm Mutual to offer a healthcare tool which creates two handy checklists for fire safety both inside and outside the barn.
Another professional to consult is a qualified electrician experienced in agricultural applications. They will ensure proper installation of wires in non-corrosive conduit and make sure electrical outlets are GFCI protected and circuits have arc fault breakers. Properly installed permanent wiring is an important safety consideration for every farm. Too often, fires are started through improper use of extension cords, power bars and household appliances (especially space heaters and fans). “Equine Guelph's Barn Fire Prevention Tool is a practical way to promote education and awareness of farm safety“, says Jim Zyta, Vice President Loss Prevention/ Risk Assessment Specialist at Heartland Mutual. “In the farm insurance industry, we have seen first-hand the many causes of barn fires and their devastating effects. Losses from such events are not only physical and financial, but can be very emotional for the horse owner. In many cases, the tragedy is realizing that the fire could have easily been prevented. We encourage all farm owners to use this simple checklist to identify the potential hazards in their own barn and help keep it a safe environment.“
Equine Guelph is the horse owners' and care givers' Centre at the University of Guelph. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government – for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit EquineGuelph.ca |