Posts tagged sprinklers

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

Good information about planning for fire safety

Following the loss of eight horses in a barn fire at Gerry Carwood’s barn near Keeneland Racetrack on May 9, 2014, Natalie Voss wrote an excellent article titled “Fire Safety in Barns is All About Planning Ahead” that was published in the May 25, 2014 issue of the Paulick Report.  It will be well worth your time to read it at http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/fire-safety-in-barns-is-all-about-planning-ahead/ .

 

Info from Fire Safety Expert Irvin Lichtenstein

Irvin Lichtenstein sent a Letter to the Editor of The Horse that was published in the June, 2012 issue, regarding an article, “Healthful Barns.” Mr. Lichtenstein signed the letter as Chief of Operations, Southeast Pennsylvania Search and Rescue, however, his experience over more than 40 years in the fire service is tremendous, so I’m delighted that he’s given his permission for me to reprint his letter, as follows, because his expert knowledge is so important to share:

             “The article on page 50 of the May 2012 issue, “Healthful Barns,” leaves out the most important safety factors for horses in barns. In much of the country barns are not subject to building codes or inspection. This means that there is no guarantee that the structure will withstand high winds, snow loads, impacts, floods, or fire.

            Barns are often huge lumber yards storing highly flammable bedding, feeds, and dusts. The lack of fixed fire detection and suppression systems frequently leads to disasters. When building a large barn, the added cost of thses systems is usually under $4 per square foot for both detectors and sprinklers. If you have an arena dust spray system, you already have the water supply for fire sprinklers. Also, when building a barn, build it to human occupancy standards; if there is no local code you can specify NFPA 150 or a similar best practice. And maintain the systems and good practices. Don’t put anything in a barn that doesn’t belong there.

            Practice your response to an emergency until it becomes automatic, not panic.”