Enjoy the Summer - General Safety Tips

Everyone loves summer vacation with its lazy days, picnics, swimming, biking, visits to the park, and more. A few simple reminders can make your summer a safe one.

Storm Safety for Summer

Summer is also the season of lightning storms and other weather events. From tornados to dust storms, safety training for severe weather can make a big difference in the health and security of your family. Take some time to review the basics, including assembling an emergency supply kit and assigning a meeting spot in the safest area of your home.

Fire Safety

Whether you're gathered around the backyard fire pit or toasting marshmallows on a camping trip, knowing where and how to safely build a fire, as well as how to put out a fire that gets out of control, can keep you and your children safe.

Bike Safety

Kids and adults alike love riding bikes in the summer. As part of your seasonal safety discussion, don't forget to include practical bike safety like choosing a bike that fits and wearing a helmet. Teaching and enforcing bike safety in your family can save lives.

Summer Heat Safety

In addition to its burning potential, the sun can also cause people to overheat, particularly in the long, hot summer days. Observing safety tips can help prevent heatstroke and dehydration during fun activities or outside work.

Enjoy the Summer - Backyard Fire Safety Tips

Nothing says "summer" like a backyard BBQ or holiday picnic, but these fun activities also present a number of safety hazards. According to a report from the US fire Administration, summer is one of the most dangerous seasons for fire-related injuries and deaths. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself and your loved ones while still having a great time. By knowing and practicing summer fire safety tips, you can enjoy many wonderful times in the great outdoors filled with laughter, happiness and safety.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are another important safety hazard in the summer months. In fact, the report from the United States Fire Safety Administration says that summer fires peak over Fourth of July weekend. Be sure to read up on fireworks safety tips to keep your celebration accident-free.


 

Grills and Outdoor Cooking Safety

Summer is all about grilling outside, but this type of food preparation can also be hazardous. Be sure to research outdoor cooking safety before you get out your grill for the season.

 

• 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.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas – carbon monoxide could be produced.

Create a Safety Zone Around Your House

FEMA recommends clearing all dry vegetation and debris from around your home, keeping a clear area that extends 30 to 100 feet from your house. Get rid of dry grass, leaves, vines, fallen branches, firewood, and other flammable materials within this area. Mow your grass to keep it short, and never store rags with oil or gasoline near your home.

Help Firefighters Find Your House

If firefighters need to get to your house, it's best if the property is clearly marked. Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the Summer - Fire Safety Tips for Travel

Nothing says "summer" like a road trip or vacation , but these fun activities also present a number of safety hazards. According to a report from the US fire Administration, summer is one of the most dangerous seasons for fire-related injuries and deaths. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself and your loved ones while still having a great time. By knowing and practicing summer fire safety tips, you can enjoy many wonderful times filled with laughter, happiness and safety.

 

Choose a Fire-Safe Motel or Hotel

When staying at a motel or hotel, choose one that has a fire sprinkler system and smoke alarms. Ask at the front desk clerk about the fire notification system and what the fire alarm sounds like. Review the fire escape plan posted in the room. Read the checklist for hotel fire safety before you settle in for the night.

Identify the Exits

Whether you're in a hotel or a restaurant or a museum, always make sure you are familiar with where the closest exits are located. This will be very important if a fire breaks out.

Don't Throw Lit Cigarettes out of the Car

Never throw a lit cigarette, match, or cigar out of a car window or onto the ground. It could ignite dry vegetation or even in rare circumstances, ignite fumes from your vehicle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the Summer - Camping Fire Safety Tips

Nothing says "summer" like a campfire or bonfire, but these fun activities also present a number of safety hazards. According to a report from the US fire Administration, summer is one of the most dangerous seasons for fire-related injuries and deaths. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself and your loved ones while still having a great time. By knowing and practicing summer fire safety tips, you can enjoy many wonderful times in the great outdoors filled with laughter, happiness and safety.

If you'll be spending the summer camping or just toasting marshmallows in the back yard, it's a good idea to educate yourself about campfire safety. Keep the following tips in mind.

Follow Area Rules

Always follow the campfire rules for the area where you are camping or living. Some parks and towns prohibit fires, and these rules are there for a reason. Check the local regulations before you build your fire.

Know to Stop, Drop, and Roll

It is important to make sure that all members of your family know to "Stop Drop & Roll" if an article of clothing ever catches on fire. Instead of just talking about it to young children, practice the steps together.

Check Your Surroundings

Choose a location for your campfire where it will not spread. Never build a campfire near any dry leaves or grassy areas or under overhanging tree branches. Before building a campfire, clear away all shrubbery and vegetation from the area, dig a pit for the fire, and surround it with rocks.

Be Smart About Lighter Fluid

Do not store gasoline, liquid fire starter, or any other type of flammable liquid near the campfire. It's too easy for stray flames to ignite these materials.

Keep Your Fire Away from the Tent

Do not place your campfire near the tent. It should always be placed downwind from the tent. Only use tents made from flame-retardant materials if you'll be having a campfire.

Keep It Under Control

Do not build large campfires, even if they seem impressive. It's much safer to keep fires small so they are easier to control.

Stay Nearby

Never leave a campfire lit if there is no one to attend to it. If you're going to sleep for the night, always take the time to put the fire out.

Be Prepared

Never light a campfire if you do not have the means of extinguishing it. Always keep plenty of water and a shovel near the campfire to use in an emergency and to put the campfire out when you are finished using it.

Know How to Put It Out

To extinguish a campfire douse it with water, use the shovel to bury the fire with ash and dirt. Then douse the area with water.