Now that the weather has finally warmed up, many of us will be heading outside. Remember some of these spring fire safety tips as you do!
Spring is officially here, and that means a lot of people will be heading back outside to enjoy the sunshine, comfortable spring breeze, and fresh air. It also means there are a few fire hazards to keep an eye out for as you head outside for some fun spring activities.
Grilling
The weather keeps getting warmer, which means grill enthusiasts will be anxious to start cooking outdoors again. There’s just something about food that has been cooked over an open fire that makes it taste so good! It’s always important to remember to grill safely to prevent what is supposed to be a fun time outdoors from becoming a stressful and dangerous situation.
Check for Leaks
If you have a propane grill, check your tank for leaks. The NFPA has a great instruction video that explains how to thoroughly inspect your propane tank. It’s not a difficult process at all, and it will only take a few minutes, so it’s worth the effort to ensure everyone’s safety.
Keep it Clean
Clean your grill before and after you use it. Do this every single time—it clears off combustible materials that could ignite, and it also cleans out anything that could have gotten into your grill between uses, such as bugs, leaf litter, and other outdoor debris. Most grills are left outside, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected inhabitants. It’s not just gross—it’s also a health hazard, so clean it thoroughly every time.
Keep Kids & Pets Away
Keep an eye on children and pets, and don’t leave the grill unattended for any reason. Kids and pets are notorious for their curiosity and an underdeveloped sense of danger, and they could be seriously injured if they’re allowed near a grill without supervision.
Fire Pits
More and more people will be heading outside in the evening hours to enjoy their fire pits. Open fires need to be respected for the danger they pose to everyone gathered around them, and proper safety precautions should always be taken. These safety tips should also be kept in mind for anyone going camping or starting an open fire outside of a fire pit, such as a campfire or a bonfire.
Things to keep in mind when you’re enjoying your fire pit include:
- Do not use flammable liquids to start the fire, such as kerosene, gasoline, and lighter fluid.
- Keep an extinguishing agent close by, such as a hose or a bucket of dirt or sand.
- Do not leave the pit unattended until the fire has been extinguished completely.
- Supervise any children or pets that are enjoying the fire with you and prevent them from getting too close to the fire.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are a year-round fire safety strategy that should always be maintained and kept operational. However, many people have experienced the constant beeps of a dying smoke alarm, realized they didn’t have the right batteries, and simply pulled the unit off of the ceiling to bring peace back to the house. If you have some loose alarms lying around or it’s just been a while since you’ve tested them, add this quick task to your spring cleaning to-do list.
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 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.