When I moved from an apartment into my first house, a vegetable garden in the back yard was my priority. My goal was to plant vegetables in season, then can and freeze any extra for use later. While the goal was lofty, it was clear that I had a lot to learn. Take fertilizer for example. I had no idea that one kind was any better than the other. Fortunately, a kindly neighbor helped me to learn the value of soil analysis, reading the information on the packages before buying any product, and how the nutrients found in the product would affect the growth of different plants. If you are a novice gardener, let me help. I'll tell you what needs to be in that fertilizer, how to spread it properly, and what it will do for your vegetables.
Does your business involve storing or using agricultural goods, equipment, or supplies? If so, there are likely some things that you handle that have the potential to start a fire. Hay, gasoline cans, heavy equipment with leaks, cleaning solvents, and animal feed are examples of some things that could contribute to a fire under certain circumstances. You may even use certain farming practices such as clearing land, which sometimes involves the controlled use of fire. Approximately $102 million in property is lost annually in agriculture-related fires, and some of these fires result in fatalities. The following tips can help protect you from a disastrous fire and keep your agricultural business safe.
Fire Alarms and Lights
Alarms can serve as an initial warning a fire is present on your property. You should have them installed in all areas of your business that are enclosed. For example, if you own and operate a farm, you should have alarms in the areas where animals are kept, storage areas, and in residential spaces or business offices on the property. This is because a fire could start in one area and spread, or a fire could occur in an area unbeknownst to you especially if your business is on several acres of land. Lights combined with the sound of alarms can ensure that you are able to determine quickly where a fire is located. This may even give you ample time to cut some of your losses. For example, you might be able to get your livestock out of containment in time.
Fire Suppression Systems
These systems are also ideal for enclosed areas. They detect where a fire is located and dispense chemicals or water that put out fires. The chemicals should not negatively affect your livestock, family, or workers. They can minimize fire damage losses since fires are put out at their source even if no one is nearby because these are automated suppression systems. A fire sprinkler system is an example of a suppression system that utilizes water.
Fire Extinguishers
Ensure that you have several of these in various locations on your business property. Some people make the mistake of thinking that fire extinguishers are all that they need. Extinguishers put out fires, but people must know there is a fire and have easy access to the extinguishers. If not, there is a risk of the fire getting out of control. Fire extinguishers are ideal for small fires.
Fire Maintenance and Safety Training
This is your best resource for fire safety. Maintenance will aid in ensuring that all of your equipment is working. Professionals, like Echo Fire Protection, can also inspect your premises to see if investments in upgraded fire safety equipment can protect your business and ensure that you have the right type of fire extinguishers installed. For example, an area where chemicals are stored would likely need a fire extinguisher that is designed to extinguish chemical fires rather than one to put out a standard fire. They can also train your employees to ensure that they know how to operate fire safety equipment and how to respond to fire emergencies.
Share3 August 2016
