Summer Fire Safety

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

People all over the United States participate in summer vacation, camping, family reunions, picnics, Fourth of July and more. As favored as summertime is, it can pose a potential threat. Fires and injuries from fireworks and outdoor cooking happen every day during the summer months. The USFA has wonderful fire safety materials for free! Below are six fire safety tips to keep in mind during this summer.

Firework Safety

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends attending public fireworks displays and leaving the lighting to the professionals. A study from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that over 200 people on average go to the emergency room with firework-related injuries in the month of July.

Grilling Safety

It’s important when grilling to wear short sleeves to prevent your clothes from catching on fire. Maintain a safe zone of 3 feet around the grill and remember to regularly remove grease or fat buildup from the trays below. Never leave a grill unattended, no matter what.

Lawn Mower Care

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance plan on your mowing equipment. Remove debris and grass clippings from cutting units, mufflers, and engines. Never refuel a lawn mower if it’s overheated.

Gas Storage

Do not store gasoline, liquid fire starter, propane or any other type of flammable liquids near a grill or potentially dangerous places. The best place to store any sort of flammable liquid in a well-ventilated area outdoors. Make sure that the seal is tight and the container is stored upright on a level surface.

HVAC Maintenance

Annual inspections of your a/c system can prevent a house fire. Dust can settle in places and cause short circuits and other electrical malfunctions that will lead to an air conditioning fire.

Alarm Inspection

Checking your smoke detectors and/or carbon monoxide detectors regularly is one of the best fire prevention methods. Replace any burned out or old batteries and read the instructions on how to test your alarm to ensure that it works.

For more fire safety tips and materials check out USFA.fema.gov!