07 Apr Our Mims Retirement Haven Staff Attend Fire Extinguisher Class

Barn fires are the leading cause of horse deaths in disaster situations, so the staff of Our Mims Retirement Haven took extra precautions to protect the equines at their facility by attending a class on proper fire extinguisher use.

“Everyone thinks they will know how to use a fire extinguisher in an emergency,” said Jeanne Mirabito, OMRH president, “but the time to practice is BEFORE a fire occurs.” She added, “Having confidence in fire extinguisher use brings peace of mind.”

Our Mims Retirement Haven has converted two tobacco barns into horse barns. Tobacco barns make great horse barns but are made of wood. A fire in this type of structure spreads quickly and can be completely out of control within ten minutes.

Bourbon County, Ky Fire Department gives free classes to folks of all ages. This valuable education saves lives and property.
A fire extinguisher might not put out a larger fire but it can go a long way to holding the fire back until trained emergency help can arrive.

Fire Chief Lloyd Campbell stated, “You’d be surprise what a fire extinguisher can do. It’s important to stay safe but if a person can just hold the fire at bay long enough for us to arrive, property can be saved.”

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is important in any setting. Knowing how to use one in a barn is essential.

OMRH Assistant Barn Manager Sadie Collins also attended the class. “The class is a worthwhile experience. I learned a great deal and feel better prepared to deal with the possibility of fires.”

“I was most surprised at the different kinds of extinguishers,” added Mirabito. “I honestly thought one extinguisher was much like any other. Having the proper kind of extinguisher for the particular environment is critical.”

OMRH became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2006. Featured in Barbara Livingston’s More Old Friends, the Haven specializes in “restoring health and spirit in aged mares.” The Haven is supported through donations, eBay auctions, and its online shop.

The horses in sanctuary at the Haven include: Blue Viking, Trail Guide, Missy White Oak, Exciting Bucket, Dogwood Patty, Ms. Royal Flagship, Braggin Rights, Play Book, and Jo Jo’s Gypsy. Our Mims grandson, the 1997 Breeders’ Cup™ Sprint winner Elmhurst, arrived at the Haven in October of 2011.

Our Mims Retirement Haven is accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance​ and the Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Council. OMRH has received grants from Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA)​.

OMRH Web Site: http://www.OurMims.org
Press Releases: http://www.OurMims.org/news/

Jeanne Mirabito: (859) 227-6304
Farm Manager, President
jeanne@ourmims.org

Cheryl Bellucci: (937) 776-1904
Director of Fund Raising and Promotion
cheryl@ourmims.org

Sadie Collins with Bourbon County Firemen