Basic Fire Prevention Preparation

Identify and minimize the risk of possible fire hazards in your farm or ranch operations and in your residence.

 

• Remove or isolate highly flammable and combustible materials and accelerants where possible.

 

 

• Train and conduct fire drills for employees and family members so everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

 

 

• Develop a plan to evacuate livestock and identify an area where livestock can be moved such as a plowed or heavily grazed field or pasture providing water and shade.

 

 

• Facilitate fire service response by working with your fire department to make certain an adequate water supply is available, and that obstructions are removed from aisles, walkways, driveways, and doors to provide fire service with a clear path.

 

 

• Provide a list of stored hazardous materials to your fire department and update it regularly.

 

 

• Stress the importance of everyday maintenance and housekeeping in preventing fire.

 

 

• Post signs and enforce “No Smoking” bans in barns, and around machinery and combustible and flammable materials.

 

 

• Install, inspect and maintain appropriate warning and extinguishing systems in residences, farm buildings, on tractors, combines and around mechanized equipment. This should include fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, fire alarms and, ideally in some locations and circumstances, sprinklers.

 

– Among the common risks facing farms and ranches is fire; both accidental fires and wildfires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, on average, 20,000 agricultural-related fires cause $102 million in direct property losses and result in 25 fatalities each year. More than half of agricultural fires involve brush or grass, while about one-third are equipment fires that involve vehicles, processing equipment, fixed wiring, heaters and torches. Two-thirds of agricultural fires occur in fields or orchards, with the remaining one-third affecting livestock or poultry operations.

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The information included in this article was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company and its employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with any suggestions or information provided. It is the user’s responsibility to confirm compliance with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Information obtained from or via Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company should not be used as the basis for legal advice or other advice, but should be confirmed from alternative sources.

Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company is part of Nationwide^®, Columbus, OH. Nationwide Agribusiness, rated A+ (Superior) by The A.M. Best Company, is the country’s #1 farm insurer and also a leader in insurance and risk management solutions for commercial agribusinesses in the food, fuel and fiber chain. For more information, visit www.

NationwideAgribusiness.com.

http://www.alliedinsurance.com/content/AP01627g_00_WildfireElecMan_MidAtlantic_0210.pdf

Contact Stuart Farnham at the Frazer Agency for a complete review of your Farm Fire Protection Risk Management.