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STATE FIRE PRBVEFTION FROGRjtt'I 



At the Fire Prevention Conference called in V/ashington last spring by 

 President Truman, the governors of each state were asked to call similar meetings 

 on a state-wide basis. Accordingly, Plis Excellency, Governor Bradford, requested 

 that every organization interested in either fire prevention or fire protection be 

 present at a conference at the State House on October 27, and indicate what ths 

 organization could and would do to reduce the v.-aste resulting from farm fires. 



The magnitude of our collective farm fire losses is almost astounding— 

 approximately ^1,000,000 annually, with losses from a few dollars per farm to 

 perhaps ^20,000 or ^25,000, These losses are divided so that farmers each pay on 

 an average from ^25 to 4-^0 annually. 



Unfortunately farmers are never fully reimbursed from losses by fire as 

 buildings are usually insured for only a fraction of their present day worth and 

 an even smaller fraction of their replacement value. The same also holds true for 

 the cattle, crops, feed, machinery, and equipment either stored or a part of the 

 structure. Other losses e.re interruption of the year's incom^i and inconveniences 

 v/hich last until replacements are completed. 



The firo prevention committee specifically recommended in its report to the 

 Governor, the f ollai7ing; 



To FARIvIERS: prevention 



1, Make all chimneys and smokopipes safe by cleaning, pointing, rebuild- 

 ing or renewing. Provide one foot clearance bctv/een smokepipes and 

 woodwork or provide adequate insulation, 



2, Kavo electric v;iring and equipment inspected by a power company 

 representative, or a competent licensed olectriciin; incroase size 

 of wires and number of circuits v/here needed; add new circuits for 

 new equipment. Use time-delay fuses of proper size on all motors, 



3, Forbid smoking in all farm buildings except the dv;elling, 



4, Install lightning rods according to Master Label Standards and keep 



them effective, 



5, Consult v/itii your pov/er company representative before buying vielders 

 and other heavy duty eq\iipment, 



6, Dry hay thoroughly before storing; use thermostatic fire detectors 

 and watch for aeating. 



7, Cover all buildings with non-combustible roofing, 



8, Keep premises clean. Clear all brusn, v;eeds, t^nd litter for a 

 distaiace of 100 ft, from buildings to avoid conflagration from forest 

 and grass fires, 



9, Install main sv/itch near entrance of barn, so that electricity may 

 be cut off outbuildings at night, 



10, Request an inspection of your pr';porty by the local firo chief tuid 

 follow his rccomrriondations. 



