Farmers looking to get themselves a Christmas gift now have the chance to give themselves peace of mind.
Farm and Food Care Ontario has infrared FLIR cameras available to sign out for free, for farmers to check their barns for hot spots to prevent possible future fires.
Two models are available.
One is a pistol-shaped device with a screen on it, the other is a module that can be plugged into any Android or Apple device, turning the unit into a fully-functional infrared camera.
"It allows you see into an electrical outlet without actually touching. You can also see into an electrical panel or wire," says FFC Program Manager Bruce Kelly.
"It's felt that many barn fires start with corroded electrical outlets. The FLIR camera allows you to see into an outlet. If there's corrosion there's going to be some heat, and that's what the FLIR camera picks up."
Kelly adds the tools can also be used to look at motors and bearings on farm machinery.
Modules for phones can be purchased for about 300 dollars.
Kelly also notes OMAFRA's Clinton office has a loan program as well.
