Summer Fire Safety

As summer approaches thoughts turn to cleaning up from the long winter, making repairs around the home and enjoying the outdoors. Keeping a few safety thoughts in mind will help you make your spring experience much more enjoyable.

Inside the Home:

  • Check and clean your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Check your fire extinguishers
  • Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords
  • Prepare for storm related outages (make sure your flashlights and portable radios have batteries and that other supplies, such as bottled water, are stocked and available)
  • Practice exit drills with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency
  • Properly store household chemicals and never mix cleaning agents

Outside and Around the Yard:

  • Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street
  • Clean up yard debris. Cut back dead limbs and grasses
  • Maintain a clear ‘fire zone’ of 10′ around structures. Clean up leaves and debris and consider using stone or non-combustible mulches
  • Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances
  • Get your grill cleaned and serviced. Check all propane tanks and lines for leaks and damage
  • Keep 100′ of garden hose with an attached nozzle connected and ready for use

In the Garage or Shed:

  • Clean up and properly store paints, pool and yard chemicals
  • Check fuels containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored
  • Have all power equipment cleaned, serviced and readied for use