Memorial Day is a time to honor all American men and women who lost their lives while serving the country. This weekend also marks the unofficial start of the summer season. It’s a time when people head to the beach, open their pools, and host bbq parties. But some of the summer’s most popular activities put people’s life safety at risk. Here’s a list of a few summer fire and life safety tips to keep in mind to ensure you have a safe Memorial Day weekend and summer season.
- Before using a grill make sure the propane line connections are secure
- Always open the lid before lighting a grill
- Never add lighter fluid to a fire because the fire could flashback causing the fluid container to explode.
- Soak coals in water to ensure they are completely cooled before discarding them
- According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks were the cause of an estimated 9,600 injuries in 2011. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends leaving firework displays up to the professionals.
- Never leave a campfire unattended
- Keep an appropriate amount of water on hand to put out a campfire
- After using a tractor or lawn mower allow it to cool down before storing it
- Prior to storing a tractor or lawn mower clear it of all lawn debris as it can cause a fire near heated areas
- Keep an extinguisher in storage areas and in close proximity to grills
Keeping these summer fire and life safety tips in mind should help you to enjoy the summer safely.