Fire Safety
Summer Fire Safety
As the weather warms and winter coats are put away for the season, remember a few safety tips for the summer. When you're ready to f ire up the grill, keep in mind:
- Position the grill away from decks, siding, overhangs, branches, eaves and other overhead obstructions
- Place the grill a safe distance from foot traffic and play areas
- Keep youngsters well away from the grill until it is completely cool, never let children play with or use the grill.
- Use long handled tools to keep hands well away from the heat
- If you use starter fluid for your charcoal grill, use the proper kind and keep the bottle out of reach of children and away from sources of heat or ignition.
- Be sure propane lines are in good repair and free from leaks. spraying soapy water on the line will show leaks by the bubbles that are formed. Replace damaged hoses immediately
- Never substitute any other flammable liquid for charcoal lighter fluid. Use only fluids specifically intended for use on charcoal grills, use of other fluids, especially gasoline can be very dangerous.
- After you've finished with the grill, keep an eye on it until it is completely cool. Charcoal can be cooled with water, however you must be extremely careful as water may splatter and cause burns.
- Never use a grill indoors. Grills give off colorless and odorless toxic gases which may collect if used inside a garage or house can become an extreme heath hazard.
Summer Weather Safety
As we have seen over the last few years, our area is prone to severe weather. Knowing what to listen for, and what to do in the event of severe weather can make all the difference.
What you can do before the storm:
- Develop a plan for you and your family, whether at home, work, or school, practice that plan and be sure every one knows what to do.
- Know the county you live in, keep a highway or other map handy so that you can track approaching storms and you will know if you're in the line of the storm.
- Consider the purchase of a NOAA weather alert radio to keep informed of weather watches and warnings effecting your area.
- Consider creating a family emergency kit, with flash lights, batteries, drinking water, battery powered radio, first aid supplies, and anything else you may need to last for a few days.
- Know where best to shelter in the event of a storm. A basement or central room in your house or if there is no suitable place in your house, know where to go, such as a near by fire or police station for shelter.
Remember, a severe weather Watch only means that conditions are right for severe weather, and you should be prepared for the possibility of severe weather. A severe weather Warning means that severe weather has been confirmed and you should take immediate action.
What to do during a tornado:
- Take cover in your designated shelter area, an interior room or basement.
- Stay away from windows
- Do not try to out run storms, if in your car, get out and find a low area, such as a drainage ditch and lay flat. Do not climb up under freeway over passes.
- Mobile homes provide very little protection from severe weather, do not try to ride out the storm in one
More information on severe summer weather can be found here, at the National Weather Service
For information on current weather watches, warning and conditions, you can visit the National Weather service, Weather dot com, or the Weather Underground.
If you have any questions about fire safety, weather safety, or residential fire escape plans, you can contact the South Metro Fire District at 816.331.3008 or your local fire department if you live outside the Fire District.