OUTDOOR FIRE PIT / FIREPLACE SAFETY TIPS
Keep safety your first consideration when using an outdoor fireplace, fire pit or fire bowl. Whether wood,
gel, or gas fueled, when in use your outdoor fireplace or fire pit does contain fire. Never leave an outdoor fire
unattended. The wind can suddenly increase or shift direction, children or pets can unexpectedly bump into
something or fall and adults can lose focus at inconvenient times.
Start with a small fire. The first time you use your outdoor fireplace or fire pit, use minimal fuel. Learn how
your outdoor fireplace or fire pit draws air, how it responds to changes in wind direction and how long it
burns before you need to add fuel.
Use a fatwood stick to light your fire. Fatwood is an all-natural product, a selected part of pine trees "fat"
with the highly combustible pine resin, sold in convenient sticks. Fatwood sticks light with a single match, even when wet. Never use
chemicals to start your fire, especially gasoline or charcoal fire starters.
Select your firewood to minimize smoke. Well-seasoned hardwoods such as oak and hickory produce less smoke than unseasoned wood or
softwoods.
Be prepared to extinguish the fire. Always keep a hose, water supply, sand bucket or fire extinguisher within reach when using your
outdoor fireplace or fire pit. If relying on fire extinguishers, teach all family members how to use a fire extinguisher correctly and make sure
the fire extinguisher is properly charged. At the end of the evening you will want to be sure your fire is completely out before leaving your
outdoor fireplace or fire pit.
Use the screen. Most outdoor fireplaces and fire pits have mesh screens. After the initial flames have died down, place the screen in front
of or over the fire. The screen is meant to control sparks and burning bits of debris, keeping them from exiting the fire area.
Use safety gloves. The same insulated, leather gloves you use for your indoor fireplace can serve you well with your outdoor fireplace or
fire pit. Of course you know the screen, glass and all metal parts of the outdoor fireplace or fire pit are hot when in use, bu t it is surprising
how many people forget that detail.
Use the protective covering. If your outdoor fireplace or fire pit comes with a protective cover, use it to shield your outdoor fireplace or fire
pit from the elements.
Select stainless steel accessories. Stainless steel will not rust, so stainless steel fireplace tool sets which include fireplace tools such as
tongs, shovels, and pokers will be able to withstand the elements.
Put out the fire when you finish with it. Yes, your outdoor fireplace or fire pit is a safe place for fire, but you never want to leave any fire
unattended. Even if the fire is dying down, do not just call it an evening and walk away. Put the fire out, completely out, before you leave it.
Use an ash bucket when you clean out your outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Remove the ashes to an ash bucket for added safety. Also, an ash
bucket avoids having ashes blow into your face or onto your clean deck, sidewalk or patio.
GRILLING SAFETY
There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But, a grill placed too close
to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips
and you will be on the way to safe grilling.
FACTS
July is the peak month for grill fires.
More than half of home grill structure fires begin on either a courtyard terrace or patio or an exterior
balcony or open porch.
Roughly half of the injuries involving grills are thermal burns.
SAFETY TIPS
Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Never leave your grill unattended.
CHARCOAL GRILLS
There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspapers.
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
Keep charcoal fluid out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire.
When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
FIREWORKS SAFETY
Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple pie, but did you
know that more fires are reported on that day than on any other day of the year
in the United States? Nearly half of these fires are caused by fireworks. The good
news is you can enjoy your holiday and the fireworks, with just a few simple
safety tips.
FACTS
Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are
injured while using consumer fireworks.
The risk of fireworks injury is more than twice as high for children ages 1014 as for the general population.
In the hands of amateurs, fireworks can turn a celebration into a tragedy.
Young people suffer the great majority of injuries, which typically injure the
eyes, head and hands. These injuries can result in blindness, permanent
scarring and amputation.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
Leave fireworks to the professionals. Do not use consumer fireworks.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by
trained professionals.
After the fireworks display, never pick up fireworks that may be left over,
they may still be active.
Never let children play with or handle sparklers. Sparklers are capable of
reaching temperatures of 1800 degrees.
Teach children at an early age that fireworks are explosive devises. They are
not toys.
LIGHTNING SAFETY
Thunder and lightning storms happen all the time. But did you know that lightning strikes and lightning fires occur most often in the
summer? Know what to do to keep you and your family safe when it does strike.
FACTS
If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning.
Fully enclosed metal vehicles such as cars, trucks and vans with windows rolled up provide good
shelter.
Large, enclosed buildings tend to be safer than small gazebos or open eating areas.
There is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm. Wait at least 30 minutes after the
last thunder before leaving your shelter.
You don’t have to be directly hit by lightning to be affected. Lightning can travel along the ground
from a nearby strike to you. It can also jump from nearby objects that are struck.
SAFETY TIPS
Avoid water, high places such as cliffs, dunes and open spaces.
Avoid all metal objects, including fences, electric wires, machinery, motors, power tolls, flag poles etc.
Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters or near trees.
Avoid being tallest object. Seek ditches, trenches or the low ground.
Get as low as you can, but don’t lie prone to the ground. Instead, kneel with your hands on the ground and your head low.
At the first sign of lightning or thunder, swimming pools and beaches should be evacuated. Seek shelter in a safe area.
Stay away from doors and windows.
FIRE RELATED HAZARDS DURING AND AFTER A STORM
ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS
If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main power source, turn off the power.
Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and become a fire hazard.
Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
Be aware of and avoid downed utility lines. Report downed or damaged power lines to the utility company or emergency services.
Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.
GAS SAFETY TIPS
Smell and listen for leaking connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
Have the gas company check the system before turning the gas on.
HEATING SAFETY TIPS
Do not use kitchen oven to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away.
Make sure heaters have “tip switches”. These “tip switches” are designed to automatically turn off in the event they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
Never fill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel space heaters only outdoors.
GENERATOR SAFETY TIPS
Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be hazardous.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when using the generators.
Use the generator or other fuel powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoor s.
Use the appropriate type power cords to carry the electrical load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord can go unnoticed.
Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow or “backfeed” can electrocute an
unsuspecting person.
REMEMBER
Look for flammable liquids such as gasoline, lighter fluid and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place
containers in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources.
Be careful if using candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects and out of reach of children. You should have flash lights and
spare batteries on hand for these types of emergencies.
SUN SAFETY
It is now recognized that sunburn and sun exposure should not be taken as something insignificant. Deaths
have resulted from acute exposure and significant temporary disability is experienced by millions of people
who are sunburn each year. Unlike a thermal burn, sunburn is not immediately apparent. By the time the skin
starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done.
GENERAL SUN SAFETY
Select shaded areas for outdoor activities.
Wear broad-brimmed hat, tightly woven clothing, a long sleeved shirt and long pants when you plan t o
spend long periods of time outdoors.
If you are unable to cover up for some reason, use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15.
Avoid tanning altogether or at least avoid tanning for long periods, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the summer
months.
Avoid using sunlamps.
Don’t forget to block the sun year-round, including cloudy days.
Be cautious when using a garden hose that has been exposed to the sun. The standing water can be extremely hot and could caus e
serious burns. Let the water run and pre-test the temperature.
Be cautious of metal and plastic playground equipment that is exposed to direct sun. Contact burns can easily occur.
Sand or asphalt can severely burn your feet. Always bring footwear to the
beach.
WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR BABY AND CHILD
FROM SUN RELATED INJURIES
Keep babies less than one year of age out of direct sunlight to prevent skin
damage and dehydration.
Remember that a child’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than an adult’s and
needs extra
Don’t let infants or young children play or sleep in the sun in a playpen,
carriage, stroller, etc.
Place babies in the shade, under a tree, an
umbrella or a stroller canopy. Keep in mind
the wet t-shirt offers only minimal
protection.
Apply PABA-free sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30, 15-30 minutes before
going outdoors. Reapply every
2-3 hours, especially if
child
ren are playing in the water. Do not apply sunscreen to
babies under six months of age. Keep them out of the
sun.
Dress babies and young children in light-colored, lightweight clothing and always cover the head with a
broad-brimmed hat. Closely
woven materials are best. If a fabric is sheer enough that you can see through it, then the sun’s rays will get
through also.
Get your children used to wearing sunscreen and protective clothing.
HOT
EL &
MO
TEL
SAF
ETY
Summer vacation travels make hotels and motels our home away from home. It is just as important to be
prepared and know what you would do in an emergency as it is in your own home.
FACTS
On average, one of every 12 hotels or motels
reported a structure fire each year. The majority of
hotel fire deaths result from fires that started in the
bedroom. Cooking equipment is the leading cause
of hotel/motel fires.
SAFETY TIPS
Choose a hotel/motel that is protected by both smoke
pro
alarms and a fire sprinkler system. When you enter your
room, review the escape plan posted in your room.
Take time to find the exits and count the number of doors
between your room and the exit. Keep your room key by your
bed and take it with you if there is a fire.
Never use elevators during a fire. Use the stairs.
In case of a fire, feel the door. If the door is hot, do not open it. Open
it slowly and be prepared to close it quickly if smoke enters the room.
If your room door is hot or the hall is full of smoke, remain in the room. Use the phone to call for help.
Open your window (do not break the glass) and yell out the window and wave a sheet, towel or pillow
case to signal for help. If smoke or flames are ri sing outside, close the window.
Place wet towels or sheets around the doorways, vents and any place else that smoke can enter the room.
Fill bathtub with wat er and use it for soaking the towels and sheets.
Make sure you turn off fans, air-conditioning and heating units.