A disturbing trend is gripping America, and if we don’t change our nation’s perspective on building materials and fire codes, the very fabric of our agricultural tapestry will be in jeopardy.
Since 2017, at least 2 million animals have been killed in barn fires in the United States. Considering that only 650,000 barns remain standing nationally, this is cause for alarm across the entire industry. Most recently, 300,000 chickens met an untimely end when an uncontained fire whipped across an unassuming Michigan farm.
Unlike other industrialized nations, the loss of animal life in the U.S. is measured in financial terms. When travesties like barn fires do occur, humanity is often cast to the wayside as farmers lament about the thousands of dollars lost due to the fire, but little consideration is given to the trapped innocent animals that paid the ultimate price.
Lack of fire suppression systems and inadequate fire codes
America is a land of strict code and adherence to regulations. In a world of over-zealous litigation and victimization, many businesses and organizations make sure they follow the letter of the law in abiding by every rule in place to ensure workplace safety. Unfortunately, there are no laws in place to protect animals from barn fires. That’s right. For a nation of animal lovers, we’ve turned a blind eye to the animals we should strive to protect.
Are wooden barns to blame?
Wooden barns are a piece of Americana. They are the defining symbol of American agriculture. Unfortunately, these aging relics can easily be transformed into tinder boxes that are primed for a devastating and costly fire. A certified and sturdy metal structure from Elephant Barns is not impervious to the destructive power of flames, but they are more resilient and will give your farm animals a fighting chance of survival in the event of catastrophe.
Elephant Barns can withstand fire, wind and snow!
Our engineers weren’t concerned by just fire when they first began designing customized steel metal buildings and barns. Not only are our metal barns highly resistant to fire, they can also withstand almost anything that Mother Nature subjects them to. Our base model structures are designed to take the brunt of 130 mile per hour winds and offer a snow load of 35 pounds per square foot. For greater protection, you can also check out our certified structures that can take the punch of 145 mile per hour wind gusts and snow loads of 45 PSF.
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