Category: Safety

Stay safe with expert tips on a wide range of topics, from home safety to disaster preparedness.

Farm Safety Tips

You know operating a farm or a ranch can be a risky occupation. And, when it comes to protecting your life’s work, your loved ones and yourself, you also know safety should be a top priority. One of the key ways to help keep those risks at bay is through preventative safety measures. We hope you will keep these farm and ranch safety tips in mind all year long.

Tractor Safety

Knowing how to operate tractors safely is important. It is one of the most heavily used pieces of equipment on a farm or ranch. Remember when operating a tractor, securely fasten your seat belt, limit one rider per seat, avoid ditches and steep embankments, and reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes and on questionable surfaces.

Travel Safety

At some point, you’ll likely have to drive a tractor or other farm machinery on public roadways. When this time comes, make sure you are prepared to travel down the road safely. A few things you can do are, display your slow moving vehicle sign on your machine, ensure reflective tape is showing, set your lights to flash as hazards and practice heightened awareness of the vehicles behind, beside or in front of you.

Clothing Safety

You should always wear the appropriate clothing and safety gear for each job. If using chemicals, consider proper gloves, respirators and protective clothing. If you are working with large farm equipment, consider hearing protection, eye protection and steel-toed shoes.

Keep Kids Safe

Take time to talk with your children about the dangers of farm equipment. Additionally, share safety rules and procedures with them. You should also take proactive steps to limit any ways a child could get to this equipment, such as locking barns, putting up ladders, removing the keys, etc. Finally, make sure you always know where children are before taking out machinery.

How OKFB Can Help

Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Safety Services Division offers free programs focused on teaching farm safety, fire safety and a number of other topics. Learn more about these programs, or request one for your community by visiting OKFB’s Safety Services Division.

Tips for Driving Safely All Winter Long

As we begin the last weeks of winter, it’s tempting to look ahead to the joys of spring. However, we all know from living in Oklahoma that the weather can be 55 degrees and sunny one day and 25 degrees and snowing the next. Join us in driving safely these next few weeks by keeping these winter driving tips in mind!

Prepare a Winter Car Kit

A short, routine trip can easily turn into a long journey if roads are inundated with winter conditions. Prepare a winter car kit and include items you may need in case of a delayed trip, car breakdown or getting stuck on the road. Consider an ice scraper, gloves, blanket, road salt, shovel, snacks, bottled water, candle, lighter, car charger, flashlight and jumper cables. You’ll also want to have a copy of your auto insurance card and any numbers for roadside assistance handy.

Check Road Conditions Ahead of Time

There is nothing worse than hitting the road only to come across less-than-ideal road conditions. Even if it is a route you take every day, check the weather, watch the news and read up on road conditions. You’ll also want to check for road closures and any outstanding accidents that may require a change of route. Less-than-ideal road conditions mean you need to go more slowly, so leave yourself extra time for travel.

Inspect Your Car Before Each Drive

Each time you head out to your vehicle, make a lap around the car to inspect it before taking off. In cold weather, tires can lose pressure and deflate slightly; make sure they are still at a safe level to drive on. You should also check the tread thickness of your tires, ensure nothing is clogging your exhaust pipe and confirm that your headlights and tail lights work.

Drive With Extra Care and Caution

Less-than-ideal road conditions you must focus on driving safely and with caution. Reduce your speed, leave extra distance between your vehicle and others, start braking sooner than you normally would and try to stop strategically in a way that won’t leave you sliding downhill or struggling to take off again. Lastly, limit distractions in your car, including radio and cellphone use, and stay focused on making it home safe.

No matter where you drive, make sure you are protected with custom auto insurance to fit your needs. Contact an agent to discuss the coverage you need!