HorseCare, #5, Fire (!) Safety
Author: Leanne
From: Canton, USA
Age: 14
Date: 6th Jul 2004, 11:03 PM
Rating: 5
Comment:
Title: HorseCare, #5, Fire (!) Safety
Just to let everyone know (though I'm not sure how many people are actually reading this) that this is going to be the last chapter of HorseCare. If I haven't covered something then just ask me about it in Author's Corner. I am going to be doing another series however, either Riding or Horses(which would be about different breeds, colors, etc.). I will get everyone's opinion on that later. But for now, just sit back and enjoy the last chapter of HorseCare. -Leanne
There is a lot you need to know about fire safety in a barn or stable. A fire is tragic, but if you know what to do when it starts, there is a good chance that you can avoid injuries to (or even deaths of) humans and animals.
1. Beforehand, have one person or several people (if it is a large stable) designated to be in control if a fire should start. It is best to choose a person who can be trusted in any situation and who knows a lot about horses and stable management. If there is not a certain person chosen, make sure someone is put in charge immediately should a fire start.
2. Have a fire extinguisher safely located in an easily accessible spot in the stable. This can quickly put out a fire in many situations.
3. Always make sure there are enough leadropes in the barn. To be even safer, attach one leadrope to every horse's halter.
4. Another important thing to have is a 'fire box.' This contains even more leadopes, towels, cloths to use as blindfolds, if neccessary. etc. Put this near the fire extinguisher.
5. Always keep the aiseway clear. Make sure pitchforks, wheelbarrows, tack not in use, etc. is stowed away safely.
6. Make sure that whoever is calling nine-one-one (or whatever the emergency telephone number is in your area) knows to tell the operator that the sirens need to be OFF. Having fire truck sirens turned on could make the horses freak out even more, and that's dangerous.
7. Get the horses and people out as quickly as possible. If you can, get the horses into a pasture to contain them or they will run off. Designate certain people to lead out the horses and others to take over from there and lead them to the pasture.
8. If a horse is scared or frightened, try using a blindfold (which can be made of anything-a towel, a jacket, etc). Also speak in a low, calm voice or they will pick up on your fear.
9. Pick a spot for all the people in the barn to meet so heads can be counted and it can be confirmed that everyone is safe.
10. The fire safety people that teach those classes are right: don't stop for possessions. In the case of a barn fire, don't try to grab tack or anything. Concentrate on getting the living things out.
11. Get the people out. That is your main concern. If a horse is too frightened, to the point of being dangerous, leave him. It's sad, terribly sad, but the people matter most. I am a huge lover of horses, so it's not easy for me to say that. But it's true. The people are the most important. And if 911 is called fast enough, the firemen might be able to save any horses you weren't able to get out.
12. Moldy hay is often a cause of barn fires. Check for moldy hay often. You will know if it's moldy if it smells odd or if it's warm and moist. If it seems even just a little bit strange, get it away from the stable ASAP.
13. Check any and all wires frequently to make sure they are intact. Make sure you don't leave any cords in the aisleway.
14. This may surprise you, but cobwebs can cause fires, too. Knock any that are accumulating down with a broom.
15. Follow this rule and make sure others do too: NO SMOKING IN OR NEAR THE STABLE!! Sorry for shouting, but it's extremely important. Smoking is what causes many barn fires. Stables are full of things that burn--hay, grain, wood, etc.
And that concludes my series called HorseCare. If you have any ideas for my next series, please suggest them in Author's Corner! I want to write about what would interest you most. All I ask is that it pertains to horses. Thanks and I hope you enjoyed reading (and learning from) HorseCare.
-Leanne
Writer of HorseCare
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