Safety Tips | Buck Shoals Fire Department

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

If a fire breaks out on your 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

If someone is injured in a farming accident:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.