Fire Safety Tips

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 just under 10,000 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. In 2007, 64 percent of fireworks injuries occurred between June 22 and July 22.

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

• The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.
• If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.
• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
• Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supervise children around fireworks at all times.

Barbecue Safety

• 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.
• 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

• Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
• Keep campfires small, and don’t let them get out of hand.
• Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you’re done. Stir it and douse it again with water.
• Never leave campfires unattended.

Fires can be prevented. A few easy steps can save your life!

Barbecue Grills

• Keep grills at least 10 feet from siding and eaves.
• Never use a grill in a garage or carport.
• Before using a gas grill, check hoses and connections for leaks.
• Check that the venturi tubes-where gas and air mix-are not blocked.
• Never overfill a propane tank.
• Consumers should only use propane tanks that have a three-pronged valve: this is a sign that there is an overfill protection device in the tanks.
• When lighting a charcoal grill, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add fluid after the fire is started.
• To dispose of hot coals, soak them with water and stir to make sure the fire is out.
• Never put coals in plastic, wood, or paper containers.
• Wear snug-fitting clothing when grilling.

Fireworks

• For safety’s sake, leave fireworks to the professionals.
• Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.
• If you do use fireworks, light them outdoors, away from dry grass.
• Always have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never let children light or play with fireworks.
• Wear snug-fitting clothing while lighting fireworks.

Summer Fire Facts

• Barbecue grills caused about 900 home fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in 2002.
• Half of all grill-related home fires begin on a balcony or unenclosed porch.
• More U.S. fires are reported on the 4th of July than on any other day. Fireworks account for half of those fires.
• In 2004, fireworks started about 1,600 structure fires.
• The tip of a sparkler burns at more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit-hot enough to cause third-degree burns.

Dry summer weather leads to an increase in outdoor fire risk. Despite our region’s reputation for rain, the Seattle Fire Department responds to fires each summer which are the result of dry weather conditions and unsafe human practices. Below are ideas on surviving the summer fire season safely.

Barbecues

• Before lighting your barbecue, eliminate everything that may be hanging overhead and move the grill a safe distance away from trees, buildings, and other things that can burn.
• Charcoal Grills: Be sure to use starter fluids designed for charcoal barbecue grills and do not add fluid after the coals have been lit. Once they are cool, ashes and coals should always be placed in a metal container with a tight lid.
• Gas Grills: Make certain the hose connection is tight and check the hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks. As soon as your meal is done cooking, turn the grill and the fuel cylinder off.

Fireworks

• Private use, sale, or possession of fireworks is prohibited in the City of Seattle. Make the right choice, the safe choice and leave fireworks to the professionals.
• If you want to include fireworks in your July Fourth celebration, plan to attend a public display, such as those scheduled for discharge over Elliott Bay and Lake Union.

Cigarettes

• Carelessly discarded cigarettes, whether tossed from car windows or dropped on the sidewalk, start many fires each summer. This habit can be very dangerous if the weather has been dry. Safely dispose of cigarettes in ashtrays.

Arson/Dry Brush

Arson is a crime that can happen at any time, any day of the year. Individuals can make a difference in preventing these fires. The following tips will help you prevent a fire from occurring around your home or business this summer.

• Clean up wastepaper, long grass, weeds, litter, or anything that can burn from around buildings.
• Remove dead plants or bushes as soon as possible. Leave your indoor and outdoor lighting on during hours of darkness.
• Consider installing devices that automatically turn on outdoor lights when they sense darkness or movement outside the home.
• Report any information you believe may be related to arson to the Arson Alarm Hotline at 1800-555-ARSON or call 9-1-1.

Safe at Play

Summer fun can include parks, lakes, beaches and campsites. The following websites provide safety tips and prevention measures to keep in mind:

www.smokeybear.com
Wildfire prevention
www.uscgboating.org
Boating safety
www.seattlechildrens.org
Water safety for children
www.helmets.org
Not just for kids nor bikes
www.safekids.org
Injury prevention for kids
http://www.seattle.gov/police/ prevention/Tips/tourist.htm
Crime prevention for visitors