Many people enjoy summer activities like camping, bonfires, fireworks, and cookouts. They’re a great way to get outside while spending time with friends and family. But unplanned accidents happen all the time, including fires that can leave severe burns and damaged property structures.
The potential for fires to occur is easy to forget when enjoying outdoor events. But it’s extremely important to be mindful of the worst while staying aware of fire safety practices. The best fire prevention method is responsible action, keeping these fire safety tips in mind so you can avoid any disasters this summer.
Barbecue and Grilling Safety
There’s nothing like a backyard fire to capture the essence of summer. Events like Memorial Day, July 4th, and graduations are a common tradition for many families. But with so many things going on at once, it can be easy to forget to take proper precautions for fire safety when using a gas or charcoal grill.
Be sure to review these grilling safety tips to prevent any fire-related disasters this summer:
• Keep your grill in a well-ventilated, open area away from trees, shrubs, and structures including your home, garage, and shed.
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing.
• If you have a gas grill, check all fuel connections between the gas tank and grill before starting it.
• If you have a charcoal grill, be careful not to add too much lighter fluid before the fire and never add more after it’s lit.
• Keep all kids and pets away from the grill and never leave it unattended.
• Keep the grill covered if the flames get too big, and do not put out the flames with water.
• Drain all of the juices and marinades from the meats before putting them on the grill to avoid the flames from flaring up.
• Always clean the grill and utensils before and after using them.
• Never dispose of used charcoal until they have cooled completely. Make sure to douse them with water to ensure they are fully extinguished.
Bonfire and Campfire Safety
There’s nothing like gathering around a campfire on a chilly night, sitting close to friends and family. But regardless of where the fire is, remember to follow these fire safety tips:
• When at a park or campground, always follow their rules and regulations regarding fires.
• Build the campfire in an open, safe location away from tents, garages, homes, trees, gazebos, and other combustible structures.
• Fires must always be built in fire pits to prevent them from spreading. Campgrounds and parks that allow bonfires will have open fire pits available for use. If you are planning to have a campfire in your yard, make sure to build a fire pit first.
• Avoid using gas or lighter fluid to start the fire, and never leave them unattended.
• Always make sure you are able to extinguish the fire before starting it. You can put them out by dumping water or shoveling dirt over the flames.
Fireworks Safety
More and more families are setting off fireworks throughout the month of July than just the 4th. As this is a nationwide tradition, thousands of Americans suffer from burns and fire damage from fireworks accidents. Make sure to follow these tips before setting them off:
• Always use fireworks that are legal. Fireworks laws will differ from state to state, but those that are banned in most states are known to cause the most injuries. Keep in mind that smaller ones are safer.
• Always do your research as to what is legal and how to use fireworks safely. Make sure to follow all directions and warning labels before setting them off.
• Supervise all children before lighting fireworks. If you don’t feel comfortable with them using fireworks, then have them watch instead. Boys aged 14 and under are the highest demographic for being injured by fireworks.
• Always light fireworks in a safe location outside, away from your home, garage, shed, family, or grass.
• Keep the number of fireworks lighting off to one at a time, maintaining a safe distance away after lighting it.
• If a firework doesn’t go off after lighting it, dump water on it and throw it away.
Pay Attention to Burn Bans
Always be cautious of burn bans in your areas. They are put into effect during the summer during hot, dry weather conditions. The bans will typically cover the use of material burning and not campfires, but this can change depending on the weather conditions.
Many state laws disallow residents from burning trash and open burning. Typically, it’s not advised to burn any materials. Be sure to check with the Illinois Department of Environmental Management laws before lighting anything on fire in your backyard.
The Importance of Fire Safety
When enjoying all that summer has to offer, it’s important to follow these fire safety tips as often as necessary. These tips will keep you and your family safe from accidents and injuries that could result in a disaster for everyone.
Fire Damage Restoration
These tips are intended to prevent the risk of fires during the summer months, but it’s impossible to prevent them altogether. In the event that an accident does happen and your home or building suffers fire or smoke damage, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional fire restoration service.
Our fire damage restoration professionals at ServiceMaster Kwik Restore are available 24/7 to restore homes and buildings from fire and water damage. Our technicians are each trained and experienced to provide everything from reconstruction to smoke odor removal to completely restore property structures to their original condition. If your personal contents were also affected during the fire, we can have them cleaned with professional content cleaning and pack out services.
Emergency Response
As smoke damage can spread long after the flames have been extinguished, don’t hesitate to call ServiceMaster Kwik Restore for immediate fire damage restoration services to prevent the damage from spreading.
