Hastings Mutual Insurance Logo
  • Insurance
  • About Us
  • Safety Tips
  • Blog
  • Find an Agent
  • Contact
  • Login
  • magnifying glass icon

Share

Tweet

Share

Email

How To Reduce Your Risk Of Barn Fires

Jun 15, 2021, 1:24 PM

Protect your animals and your property.

A barn fire can be one of the most devastating experiences you ever have on your farm. If it does happen, our Farmowners coverage helps pay the replacement cost for outbuildings and other expenses related to the loss of a barn.

Your Hastings Mutual insurance is an excellent tool for you if there’s a disaster. But there’s plenty you can do to reduce your risk of a barn fire before you ever need to contact your local independent insurance agent. Experts at Michigan State University and the University of Kentucky recommend some simple guidelines for protecting your property and reducing fire risk.

Safety precautions

  • Prepare the building with safety measures like fire extinguishers near each exit, utility box, and about 30 feet apart throughout the structure.
  • Enclose lights and electrical devices. Keep them from overheating and check them regularly to see if lines are fraying or broken.
  • Keep hay, twine, and other flammable material away from heat. Keep your property clean so no loose scrap has the potential to catch on fire.
  • For the same reason, fuel and vehicles containing fuel need to stay away from things that can burn. Gas will only feed a fire.

Clearing a barn

  • A barn fire is just like a house fire — the most important thing is to get everyone outside and away from danger.
  • Find a place on your property to take animals if you need to evacuate them from a fire. Make sure it won’t interfere with anyone fighting the fire.
  • If you are removing animals, start closest to the exit first and handle animals one at a time or in groups if they are herd animals. Work to reduce their stress; the more stressed they are, the more likely there will be other injuries.
  • Indicate gates and stalls with reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark paint, so you can quickly access locations in the dark.

Review your plan regularly with your family and your employees, so everyone understands the process for handling a barn (and house) fire.

What do you recommend for farm and house fire safety? Let me know in the comments.

The Mutual Understanding blog and Hastings Mutual videos are made available for educational purposes only. The information referred to is not an official company statement, corporate policy, or offer of coverage. Refer to your insurance policy for specific coverage. There is no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of any information found by following any link on this site. Please contact your local independent insurance agent with further questions and for more details on any insurance policy-related information you read here.

© 2021 Hastings Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Leave a comment

Order by

Newest on top Oldest on top
Load more comments
User avatar
New code
User avatar
Comment by from

Related Blog Posts


  • Combines are part of our Farmowners coverage. Simple Ways To Keep Farms Clean And Safe

    If you own or operate a small farm, this coverage may be right for your business.


  • Farm ergonomics tips Simple Ways For Your Farm Workers To Succeed

    Stretching, lifting, using tools… what you need to know to keep your workers healthy.


  • Managing Farmer Stress Managing Farmer Stress

    A new program will help farmers deal with the dangers of stress.


 
 
Return to Blog List 
 

Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
404 E. Woodlawn Ave.
Hastings, MI 49058

 

Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (EST)

 

(800) 442-8277

Insurance Journal Super Regional P/C Insurer
Standing the Test of Time
CIO 100 winner

Find An Agent
Report a Claim
Make A Payment

  • Become an Agent
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • In the News
Terms of Use and Privacy Statement   ©  Hastings Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.