Summer Fire Safety Tips

 

It’s summertime, and everyone is taking a much deserved break by having BBQs, going on vacations, or simply laying around the poolside. However, Fire Safety should not be relaxed. There is just as much risk for fire in the summer as there is in the winter, but as long as you keep your guard up, your risk for fire will be greatly reduced
 
 
GRILLING
bullet Keep barbecue grills far away from anything that can burn…your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc.
bullet Stay with the grill when lighted, and keep children and pets well away from the area
bullet When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits high up over your forearm.
bullet If you get burned, run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Do NOT use butter or a salve on burns because these seal in heat and can damage the tissue further. If you receive a serious burn, with charred skin, for example, seek medical attention promptly.
bullet Barbecue grills must never be used inside the home because, in addition to the fire hazard of indoor grilling, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
bullet If lightning appears while you're grilling, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass.
bullet For charcoal grills, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills. Never use gasoline! Use a limited amount of starter fluid before lighting the fire. If the fire is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal if necessary. Don't add liquid fuel to re-ignite or build up a fire, as flash fires can result. Soak the coals with water before you discard them and leave the grill away from the house until completely cool.
bullet For gas grills, always store the gas cylinder outside and away from structures and turn off the valves when not in use. Check frequently for any leaks in connections by using a soap-and-water mix that will show bubbles if gas escapes. When purchasing a gas grill, select one that bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow manufacturer's instructions and if needed, have it repaired by a trained professional.

 

FIREWORKS
bullet Fireworks are illegal in New Jersey without proper training and permits. Despite this fact, people still set off fireworks. Every year, fireworks used by amateurs cause thousands of injuries serious enough to require emergency room treatment. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 are at greatest risk of injury from fireworks. In 1995, more than 11,000 people suffered severe fireworks injuries in the United States, including burns, lacerations, amputations, and blindness. NFPA recommends that all fireworks -- including devices considered "legal"-- be used only by trained professional pyrotechnicians. Even sparklers, often mistaken as safe, burn as hot as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave any area where amateurs (adults included) are using these devices, and do not pick up or touch found fireworks.
bullet If fireworks are to be set off, follow manufacturer's directions STRICTLY.

 

GASOLINE SAFETY
bullet Store gasoline outside the home, preferably in a locked, detached shed, and store just enough to power your gasoline-fueled equipment.
bullet Keep gasoline up high, inside a clearly marked container that's labeled and approved for gasoline storage. Make sure gasoline and all flammable liquids are well away from any heat source or flame.
bullet Use gasoline as a motor fuel only -- never as a stain remover or for other purposes.
bullet To transport gasoline in an automobile to and from the filling station, place a sealed, approved container in the trunk with the trunk lid propped open and drive directly to the fueling site. Take a direct route back home and never store gasoline in a vehicle.
bullet With a few exceptions, dispensing of gasoline by anyone other than a gas station attendant is illegal in the State of New Jersey. This applies to filling containers of gasoline.
bullet Extinguish smoking materials before fueling, and take the equipment outside well away from combustibles. Wipe up any spills immediately and move the equipment at least 10 feet away from the fueling area to start the engine. Before re-fueling, turn off the equipment and let it cool completely.
 


 

 BOATING
bullet Before fueling your boat, make sure to extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans and heating devices. Be sure the fueling nozzle is grounded to the fuel intake and don't fill to capacity -- leave room for expansion. Wipe up fuel spills immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. After fueling and before starting the motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes.
bullet On board your covered boat, install a smoke detector and test the battery before using the boat each time, replacing the battery with a fresh one at least once a year.
bullet Only use portable stoves and heaters specifically designed for marine use.
bullet For more information on marine fire extinguishers and other information on boating safety, contact the U.S. Coast Guard office near you.

New York City Area
Jersey Shore/Mid Atlantic State

 

POOLS
bullet Liquid and solid chlorine-based oxidizers are commonly sold for home pool care as hydrogen chloride products. These chemicals can spontaneously combust if contaminated by organic materials (such as body fluids, acid rain, etc.) or hydrocarbon liquids such as fuel or motor oil. This type of fire will result in toxic fumes that can be extremely dangerous and require resident evacuation.
bullet Store and use pool chemicals according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and always store them outside the home, away from any heat source or flame.
bullet Keep the containers in a dry place, well away from other items. If the container is punctured or otherwise damaged, properly dispose of the chemicals.

 

CAMPING
bullet Pitch your tent (flame retardant is best) well away from your campfire.
bullet Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space, as opposed to liquid-fueled heaters or lanterns. In addition to the fire hazard posed by liquid-fueled devices, carbon monoxide poisoning can easily result in unventilated spaces.
bullet Build your campfire downwind, away from your tent, clearing away all dry vegetation and digging a pit surrounded by rocks. Look for signs that warn of potential fire hazards in national forests and campgrounds, and always obey park service regulations.
bullet Pour water over or cover the fire with dirt before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
Store liquid fire starter away from your tent and campfire and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfire and not liquid fuel. NEVER USE GASOLINE FOR CAMP FIRES!

 

CHIMINEAS (OUTDOOR FIREPLACES)
bullet Chimineas are in debate of their legality due to their definition. They should be used regardless with extreme caution.
bullet Use Chimineas that are UL listed
bullet Never use paper, dry vegetation or anything that would produce high amount of ash, for they can land in dry vegetation or on building tops and create a risk for fire
bullet Use only liquid fire starter that is intended for this purpose only. NEVER USE GASOLINE!
bullet Build your fire downwind, away from buildings, and away from all dry vegetation. Look for signs that warn of potential fire hazards.
bullet Pour water over or cover the fire with dirt before leaving the area.
bullet Keep children in strict supervision, for there is nothing in the way of children from getting burned. Marshmallow roasts should preferably be done by adults for young children
 
Remember:
  • It’s never a bad time to check smoke detectors. Daylight Savings Time is a very good time to test smoke detectors.
  • Get air conditioning units inspected, for electrical problems could arise