Several years ago, the horse community in the New York area mourned when a fire at a barn killed every horse. Neighbors who tried to help get the horses out were stymied in their efforts by locked barn. More recently, arson is suspected in several barns in New England. 

Fifteen horses perished when a fire ripped through a boarding stable in northwest Cobb County in 2008 at Westbrooke Farms.

As evidenced by recent hurricanes, disaster planning for horses is a necessity, and barn fires are a frightening reality. Here are some suggestions for keeping your horse safe in the event of a barn fire:

• If no one lives near the barn, surveillance cameras can watch for signs of fire or trespassers.
• Dutch doors on stalls leading outside allow the emergency rescue of a horse either through the barn or out through its Dutch door. It also keeps rescue teams potentially out of danger as they release horses from outside of the barn.

Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States recommends:

• Installing a sprinkler system.

• Fire extinguishers and flashlights should be mounted at every entrance into the barn. Additionally, emergency phone numbers should be posted at the entrances as well as by the phones. Those numbers should include: barn owner, barn manager, veterinarian, boarders and local horse people (who may be needed to handle animals) and emergency fire and rescue. Include home, work, cell phone and pager numbers.
• All boarders and workers should be familiarized with fire extinguisher location and use.
• Make sure the location to your barn is clearly posted on the road so that emergency rescue and fire crews can easily find it.
• Just like in your home, you can also install smoke alarms in your barn.
• Storing hay and flammables in a separate location rather than keeping them with horses. During a recent barn fire, fire officials noted that the fire smoldered longer because of the amount of hay present.
• Never allow smoking in or around the barn; post no smoking signs.
• Check your electrical wiring frequently.
• Keep plugged in appliance use at a minimum, like heaters and fans, and use when people are around. Unplug them when no one is around.
• Ensure your aisles and stall entrances are clear so that horses can be moved quickly out of the barn unobstructed by wheelbarrows, hay bales, equipment, etc.
• Have an evacuation plan, practice it and ensure employees and boarders know what to do in the event of a horse evacuation.
• Have a network of contacts where you can take your horses in the event that your area is evacuated.

Make sure your trailer and tow vehicle are properly maintained so they are ready to go in case of emergency. Additionally, the Humane Society recommends that you have a disaster evacuation kit which contains first aid kits for horses and people; equipment like cell phones, flashlights and additional batteries; your horse’s paperwork; horse equipment like halters and leads; your own family’s emergency kit. For the Humane Society’s disaster preparedness and brochure, call 202-452-1100.

The key to your horses’ survival in the event of a fire or other disaster will be your preparedness.

Again at Horsechitchat we care about you and your horses safety. We love horses as much as you do and truly would like to see you reduce the risk of a barn fire and fatality to any of your animals.

Thanks again for taking the time to read my rant and over looking my poor grammar! Just a good old boy trying to lay down some ink.

Peace to you and yours.

Ron
EquineInternet.com <-- New horse classified membership site network coming soon! Do Not sign up yet. Watch the video and  I will let you all know when we are saddled up and ready for a new launch.