The following articles were authored by laurieloveman

Information on security systems from Reviews.com

Chad McDuffie reported that his team at Reviews.com recently completed an extensive study comparing home security systems, which not only rates the systems but provides advice for ordering, installing, and using the top home security systems.  This should be helpful if you are considering the installation of a security system for your barn or areas within your barn. Read the reviews here>>>

Manitoba Farm Safety Infrared Inspections

Manitoba Farm Safety has introduced an inspection program that other agricultural organizations should consider.  The inspection is NOT for enforcement purposes, but for PREVENTION, showing up air leakages, electrical problems, and other correctable problems in your barn.  Check out the program here:

Wildfire Smoke and Your Horses

UC Davis has a bulletin about damaging wildfire smoke and how to protect (as much as possible) yourself and your horses.  Go to this site to benefit from the information.

A Heartfelt Request to Canadian Fire Officials

A recent article submitted to the Huffington Post is a plea to save the lives of thousands of animals currently at risk or having already lost their lives in potentially preventable barn fires in Canada.  Please take a few minutes to read this article.

Great information about security systems

I recently heard from Wilson White, a Content Marketing Specialist at ConsumerAffairs.com (https://www.consumeraffairs.com/), who offers helpful information about some of the major security system companies in the United States that can help you determine the best system if you’re considering installing (or having installed) a security system for your home and barn.  Visit https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/aaa_alarm_systems.html .  Mr. White can also be contacted at (918) 280-8144 if you have specific questions.

More info about smoke and horses’ health

The April 28, 2017 issue of The Horse has a valuable article about the effect of wildfire smoke on horses’ respiratory systems.  Click here to read it now!

Be Ready for Wildfires

Are you ready to face a wildfire? I’d like to remind everyone of an excellent article by Alayne Renee Blickle that was first published in THE HORSE in 2013. Alayne provides easy-to-follow tips to help you make your own evacuation plan now, before (and hopefully never) you need to put your plan into action. Alayne’s article is important enough that you should take another look at it if you’ve read it before, or please do take the time to read her article if it is new to you.  The link is: http://cs.thehorse.com/blogs/smart-horse-keeping/archive/2013/09/17/tips-for-developing-a-firewise-evacuation-plan.aspx . You’ll also enjoy Alayne’s website,  http://www.horsesforcleanwater.com . She has great information for improving all areas of your farm.

Also, be sure to read the comment from Sarah in response to Alayne’s article, and visit her Silhouette Farm website,  http://www.silhouettefarm.com to see photographs and read her narrative of her experience in the 2008 Triangle-Complex fire in California.

New Fire Safety for Barns Program

“Building a Farm Fire Safe Community” is a new program that was created because of concerns over the huge loss resulting from fires that have destroyed buildings, animals, vehicles, and equipment in Ontario, Canada. Bill Hunter, Fire Chief  for the Township of Perth East and the Municipality of West Perth, in Ontario, Canada, invites you to learn about their program, which was developed in partnership with the Tradition Mutual Insurance Company, North Waterloo Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, the South Easthope Mutual Insurance Company and the Perth-Huron Insurance Brokers Association. This program is not just for Ontario farms, though. It is adaptable to any farm or stable situation and they are also planning a series of videos that will address farm fire safety topics.  Take a look at this program, especially the excellent self-assessment form available for you to download. You can learn more about the program at the Perth East website at  www.pertheast.ca or you can contact Chief Hunter at the fire department at 519-595-2800.

Maite Kropp writing on Animal Deaths in Factory Farms

If 600,000 people died in one year from preventable fires, we would do something about it. The problems is, the 600,000 sentient beings who perished weren’t people, and they couldn’t speak for themselves. Here, Maite Kropp gives them a voice.

Animal deaths in factory fires can be avoided

by Maite Kropp

Published in The Reporter, August 6, 2014

Prevention of tragedy has been a survival behavior of humankind since the beginning of human existence. Not all tragedies can be prevented, especially if they are caused by an “Act of God.” Lately, we have witnessed some very unforgettable tragedies caused by wildfires in many parts of the country due to the severe drought.

Continue reading Maite Kropp writing on Animal Deaths in Factory Farms

Help for Unfreezing Frozen Pipes

One frequent cause of barn fires in the winter months occurs when someone attempts to thaw frozen water pipes.  The American Red Cross has information about preventing frozen pipes in the first place, and tips on thawing those pipes if they do freeze. The fact sheet is directed to homes, but the information definitely applies to barns also.  Take a few minutes to read the American Red Cross Fact Sheet: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes before you take your tools to the barn.