Pens, Barns, and Other Structures

•Meet local building codes
Just as you would with your own residence, the structures that house your outdoor pets and livestock should be built or updated to meet local building codes.  Routinely inspect these structures inside and out and perform necessary repairs.

•Use fire-resistant materials
Two coats of intumescent paint may slow down the fire, giving, you a few moments more to get livestock out in the event of a barn or other structure fire.  Early fire detection systems such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems are possible options that also may “buy you some time” to rescue livestock.

• Be sure any electrical wiring is rated for outdoor use and is properly installed. 
Old, damaged, or improperly connected wires are a fire hazard.  Additionally, do not overload circuits or outlets.  Keep all electrical appliances in good repair, securely anchored to the wall or floor, and unplug them when not in use. Make sure electrical cords and electrical appliances are situated away from animals so they do not step, bump, or chew on them.

• Keep enclosed areas clean and free of cobwebs, chaff, and dust.
Cobwebs, chaff and dust are easily combustible and make excellent fuel sources.

• Create and maintain defensible space
Create and maintain defensible space around and between barns, pastures, kennels, and enclosed pens, just as you would your home.  Also have clear access to your outdoor structures for fire and other emergency personnel.  See the Defensible Space and Access Zone sections for tips and more information.

• Consider the location of your water sources.  Be sure you have a hose available to reach all areas of the structure.

• Have an ABC-type fire extinguisher charged and readily accessible.

Feed, Bedding, Equipment & Storage

• If at all possible, store hay, bedding and equipment in a separate section of the building in which livestock is housed or, preferably, in its own building.

• Hay, feed and bedding storage should not be near lights, fans, electrical boxes, heaters, or outlets.

•  Do not use electrical equipment that gives off heat around combustible bedding, or feed, such as heat lamps.

• Remove less frequently used combustibles from the stable and keep the area as clean as possible.  This includes hay and straw; bedding material (especially sawdust and shredded newspaper); cobwebs, dust, and grain dust; horse blankets; paint; fertilizer; pesticides, and herbicides.  Store all combustibles properly and be sure to use appropriate receptacles to dispose of rags soiled with combustibles or accelerants such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, etc.

• The following sources of heat and sparks are often found around farms and livestock areas and can be an ignition source: welding machines, general machinery (trucks, tractors, mowers, clippers), motors, heaters, electrical appliances, fence chargers, electrical fixtures and wires, batteries, broken glass, chemicals which may react with each other or with water or dampness.  Minimize ignition sources around the stable and storage areas.  Be particularly vigilant when working with these items.

Evacuation Preparedness: Pets & Small Animals

Whether they are an addition to the family, an educational project, or a business investment, the pets and livestock in our lives are important to us.  Take measures to reduce the fire risks and hazards animals may face. The leading causes of death for large animals during a disaster include collapsed barns, electrocution from downed power lines, and kidney failure due to dehydration.

• Take your pet with you. 
If it is not safe for YOU, it is not safe for your family  pets.  Approximately 70% U.S. households own pets; 30% have minor children.  You may be forced to stay away longer than you anticipate, leaving  your animals defenseless if you do not take them with you.

• Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate! 
To insure the safety of yourself,  your family, and your pets, it is essential that evacuation and communication  plans are in place ahead of time.  Know where you can take your pets in an  emergency.

• Remember that pets may react unpredictably to changes and the chaos created by the emergency. 
They may become stressed and very easily  startled.  Care should be taken to keep pets safely confined as they may bolt if  scared.

 
Photo courtesy of Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District

• Prepare a sign advising emergency service workers that your animals have  been evacuated.
If not, leave information about the animals and your  emergency contact information/cell phone number, if possible.

 Prepare an emergency contact list with phone numbers, cell phone numbers,  pagers, etc.

• Create neighborhood programs and evacuation plans.

• Have a pet carrier and leash readily accessible in the event of evacuation.

• Be aware that for health reasons, most emergency shelters cannot accept pets. 
Ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter if they provide emergency care for animals  during a disaster.  Find out ahead of time which motels and hotels in your  area allow pets.

• Be sure your pets are properly identified, ideally with both microchips and  identification tags. 
A microchip under the skin can be “read” by a universal  scanner, and the pet can be traced to its owners.  Identification tags should   include your phone number and be securely fastened to your pet’s collar.  If  possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site,  whether it’s a public shelter or a friend’s home.

• Assemble an emergency kit in a waterproof bag. 
Include pet food, bottled  water, medications, vacci