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 Summer Fire Safety
Summer Storm Fire
Safety
Protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential
threat of fire during or after a summer storm.
Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping,
family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime,
however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor
grills. Annually more than 8,000 Americans are injured by fireworks
and grill fires. More than half these injuries occur during the
first week of July.
USFA's National Fire Data Center estimates that yearly outside
cooking grills cause more than 6,000 fires, over 5 fatalities, more
than 170 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. Gas grills
alone cause over 2,700 fires, 80 injuries, and $11 million dollars
damage. Most of the gas grill fires and explosions were caused by
gas leaks, blocked tubes, and overfilled propane tanks.
In addition to outdoor cooking, improper use of fireworks causes
more than 6,000 fires and more than $8 million in damage.
Families also enjoy camping in the summer. It is important to follow
the park's rules for the use and extinguishing of campfires.
Summertime should be a time for fun and making happy memories.
Knowing a few fire safety tips and following instructions will help
everyone have a safe summer.
Fireworks Safety
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The
best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks
displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle
fireworks.
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If
you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your
area.
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Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
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Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
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Do
not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
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Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a devise does not
go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with
water and dispose of it.
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Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a
devise is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning
label, do not light it.
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Supervise children around fireworks at all times.
Barbecue Safety
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Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane
tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the
air and gas mix - are not blocked.
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Do
not overfill the propane tank.
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Do
not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
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Be
careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already
lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container
and explode.
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Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your
children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult
immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
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Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water,
and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them
in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
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Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could
be produced.
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Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece
of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency
number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.
Campfire Safety
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Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass
and leaves. surround with rock or brick border to delineate the
fire line.
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Keep campfires small, and don't let them get so big they get out
of control.
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Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when
you're done. Stir it and douse it again with water.
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Never leave campfires unattended.
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