Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Tips
How can I prevent fires on my farm?
To prevent fires on your farm:
- Regularly maintain and clean farm equipment to prevent overheating and sparks
- Store flammable materials, such as hay, fuel, and chemicals, in separate, well-ventilated areas
- Avoid burning debris during dry and windy conditions
- Install and maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in all buildings
- Create a defensible space around buildings by removing nearby vegetation and debris
What should I do if a fire breaks out on my farm?
If a fire breaks out on your farm:
- Call 911 immediately
- Evacuate all people and animals from the area
- If safe to do so, use fire extinguishers to control small fires
- Turn off electricity and fuel supplies to the affected area
- Provide first aid to anyone injured and wait for emergency services to arrive
How can I prepare for emergencies on my farm?
To prepare for emergencies on your farm:
- Create an emergency action plan and review it with all family members and employees
- Install a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguisher in every building
- Store important documents and valuables in a fireproof safe
- Have a well-stocked first-aid kit easily accessible
- Ensure all workers are trained in basic first aid and CPR
- Keep a list of emergency contacts, including the Buckshoals Fire Department
What should I do if someone is injured in a farming accident?
If someone is injured in a farming accident:
- Call 911 immediately and request medical assistance
- Provide first aid to the injured person until help arrives
- If the injury is severe, do not move the person unless absolutely necessary
- Turn off any machinery involved in the accident and ensure the area is safe
- Notify the farm owner or supervisor about the accident
How can I stay safe during severe weather events like thunderstorms, ice storms, or tornadoes?
To stay safe during severe weather events:
- Monitor weather alerts and stay informed about potential severe weather
- Have an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio
- During thunderstorms or ice storms, stay indoors and avoid using electrical appliances
- If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor
- If outdoors, lie flat in a nearby ditch or low-lying area and cover your head with your hands
How can I prevent commercial property and structure fires?
To prevent commercial property and structure fires on your farm:
- Regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems, heating units, and other potential fire hazards
- Store combustible materials, such as chemicals, fuels, and fertilizers, in secure, well-ventilated areas away from buildings
- Prohibit smoking in and around buildings, especially barns and storage areas
- Install and maintain fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems in all commercial buildings
- Train employees on fire safety, including proper use of fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures
What should I do if a commercial property or structure fire occurs on my farm?
If a commercial property or structure fire occurs on your farm:
- Activate the fire alarm to alert others and call 911 immediately
- Evacuate all people and animals from the building, closing doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke
- If safe to do so, use fire extinguishers to control small fires
- Turn off electricity and fuel supplies to the affected building if possible
- Provide first aid to anyone injured and wait for emergency services to arrive
- Do not re-enter the building until fire officials deem it safe
How can I prevent brush fires?
To prevent brush fires:
- Create and maintain defensible spaces around buildings and structures by removing nearby vegetation and debris
- Avoid burning debris during dry and windy conditions, and always obtain necessary permits before burning
- Keep equipment, such as lawnmowers and tractors, in good working condition to prevent sparks
- Store firewood and other combustible materials at least 30 feet away from buildings
- Train employees on brush fire prevention and safety measures
What should I do if a brush fire occurs?
If a brush fire occurs on your farm:
- Call 911 immediately
- Evacuate people and animals from the area, moving them upwind of the fire
- If safe to do so, use fire extinguishers, water hoses, or heavy equipment to create firebreaks and control the spread of the fire
- Turn off any nearby electrical or fuel supplies if it is safe to do so
- Provide first aid to anyone injured and wait for emergency services to arrive
- Follow the instructions of fire officials and do not return to the area until it is deemed safe
How can I prevent automobile accidents?
To prevent automobile accidents:
- Ensure all vehicles are regularly maintained and in good working condition
- Implement and enforce safe driving policies, including speed limits, seat belt use, and distraction-free driving
- Be cautious when driving near livestock or other animals, and always give them the right-of-way
What should I do if I witness an automobile accident on my farm?
If you witness an automobile accident:
- Check for any injuries and call 911 immediately, requesting medical assistance if necessary
- If you are trained in first aid and it is safe to do so, provide care to any injured persons until emergency services arrive
- Turn on hazard lights and set up flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers
- Gather information, such as names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved
What should I do if I am involved in an automobile accident?
If you are involved in an automobile accident:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if medical assistance is needed
- Turn on hazard lights
- If the vehicle cannot be moved, set up flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers
- Exchange information, such as names, contact information, and insurance details with the other parties involved
- Take photos of the damage and the accident scene if it is safe to do so
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident and begin the claims process
Remember, in any emergency, stay calm, prioritize your own safety and that of others, and call 911.