As you start to transition to short sleeves, grills, and backyard cookouts, there are fire safety tips you should know.
It is easy to associate home fire protection with winter. Typically, these are the months of space heaters, decorative candles, fireplaces, and holiday lights. Just because we are less inclined to use heating appliances does not mean we should not be aware of fire hazards. As you start to transition to short sleeves, grills, and backyard cookouts, there are fire safety tips you should know. Read on to learn more!
Grills
Grills use fire which means you have inherent risks right from the start. In fact, the NFPA reports that approximately 8,900 house fires are caused by outdoor grilling every year. Proper maintenance of your grill is imperative. Make sure to check every part of your grill, including the propane tank, hose, and all connecting points. Use only charcoal lighter fluid on charcoal. Never use gasoline, diesel fuel or any other flammable liquids to start a fire. Once the fire is started, do not let anyone get near the grill with a container of lighter fluid, no matter the reason. Also, make sure your grill is clean. If you fail to clean it before and after each use, it could lead to a dangerous condition.
Outdoor Fire Pits
Fire pits can be safe and fun but only if you follow the proper precautions. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start a fire. Safe fire starters are widely available. Never leave young children unattended near a fire pit and have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water next to your pit before you start building the fire. Avoid tossing leaves, pinecones, needles, plastics, or paper into your fire, and never use pressure-treated lumber as fuel.
Chimneys
As cozy as it might have been in January and February, come spring you will be less inclined to use your fireplace or woodstove. Clean your fireplace or woodstove and properly and safely dispose of the ashes away from your home. But do not forget about the chimney until November. Have your chimney inspected as a part of your annual spring cleaning. It is highly recommended to have a chimney inspected and cleaned thoroughly at least once a year anyway, and getting it done now can mean you will not forget about it.
Fire Protection Services from Fireline
Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your commercial property, Fireline has you covered. We have been protecting people and property from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our superb customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. We are located in Baltimore, MD, with a second office in Leesburg, VA. For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.