Barns serve many useful purposes, but they also pose a significant liability risk for property owners. As such, it’s important to secure adequate insurance coverage and take extra precaution to decrease the potential dangers that come with having a barn. Below are a few tips for keeping your property safe and lowering the odds of filing a future claim.

How to Reduce Your Legal & Financial Risks 

1. Prevent Barn Fires

Unfortunately, barn fires happen all too often due to faulty electrical equipment, careless smoking, the storage of flammable materials, and improper use of heaters. To prevent a fire from breaking out in your barn or lessen the impact, keep it clean and free of cobwebs, prohibit smoking anywhere near the building, store chemicals and gasoline outside, store hay, straw, and wood shavings in a well-ventilated area, and never leave space heaters, heat lamps, or sun lamps on unattended. If your barn is wired for electricity, get a biannual inspection, make sure wiring is run through a metal conduit, and keep lighting fixtures caged or globed. You should also have working fire extinguishers and a sprinkler system installed. 

2. Protect Employees & Visitors From Injury

Injuries are common occurrences inside barns. Whether you operate a farm with employees or have visitors that frequent your barn, it’s essential to do what you can to keep them out of harm’s way. Don’t let clutter accumulate in the walkways and hang up all equipment that could create a tripping hazard. Get rid of dim lighting, post a list of safety practices and barn rules, and ensure the proper safety gear is worn when working with animals or machinery. If an injury occurs and you liability coverage, your insurance coverage will help pay for the associated medical and legal costs. 

3. Minimize Theft Potential

Barns typically contain a variety of valuable items which can make them a target for thieves. While your insurance coverage will provide the funds necessary to replace your possessions in the event they’re stolen, you can reduce the risk of this happening by installing motion-activated floodlights and surveillance cameras, using sturdy locks, and conducting a nightly barn check at various times. It’s also a good idea to locate your barn toward the back of your property and away from the road if possible. 

With the right insurance coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing your financial stability is protected even if an incident occurs. Based in Alexandria, KY, Northern Kentucky Home Insurance Company has been helping residents throughout Campbell, Boone, Kenton, Pendleton, Bracken, and Grant counties customize policies suitable to their specific needs since 1901. They offer a range of high-quality and affordable property insurance products to safeguard your biggest assets and will assist you in exploring all your options. Call (859) 635-2500 to request a quote, and visit their website to learn more about the services they provide.