Summer Fire Safety
Thursday, July 2nd, 2020
Summer Fire Safety
Happy Summer days and 4th of July!! I hope everyone you know has remained mentally and physically healthy and unscathed in light of these crazy Covid times!
This month I am delivering a big dose of facts and common sense when it comes to our summertime favorites!
First up, Cookouts!
Did you know that over 150 million hot dogs will be eaten on the Fourth of July? 74 million Americans will be lighting up their grills and cooking out. Over half of grill fires on residential properties occur during May, June, July and August (we’ve already responded to one this year)! Propane is the most likely power source involved in all grill fires on residential properties.
Here are the tips:
- Never use a grill indoors or in a garage. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Be sure to keep kids and pets at a safe distance, too.
- Use only charcoal lighter fluid. Do not substitute gas, kerosene, moonshine you’re sipping on, or your favorite firecracker. That could end badly.
- If you do spark up a grease fire, use baking soda to put it out, not water! Be sure to keep the baking soda at arm’s length while you pour -unless you want a massive war-like wound you can talk about for years.
Next, Fireworks.
The first fireworks were used to celebrate Independence Day on July 8th, 1776. Big bucks are spent on fireworks every year in the U.S., around $600M to be closer to exact. 70% of all fireworks related injuries happen June 20-July 20 (this makes for an angry dog, too). Children under 15 years old account for 40% of those injuries!
Here are the tips:
- First things first! Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them. Some areas have a fire ban in place too if the weather has been extremely dry. Not the case here lately for us East Tennesseans.
- Keep a big bucket of water, or your trusty garden hose nearby in case you start a fire or spark any other mishaps.
- NEVER try to re-light or pick up fireworks that aren’t fully functional.
- Parents and guardians, always keep a close eye on those kiddos using fireworks!
Finally, campfires and firepits.
On federal land, abandoned campfires are the number one source of human-caused wildfires. July 4th is one of the top three busiest weekends of the year in national parks.
1/3 of all human-caused fires are started by people who are careless with their fire. Over 4 million acres burned in a year as a result of fires caused by humans and their errors.
Here are the tips:
- Make sure your fire is legal! Fire bans can be a common occurrence during the hot and dry summer months. Don’t get caught breaking that law.
- Clear out about a five foot area around the fire, or firepit and make sure the extra firewood is upwind from the flames. Not a bad idea to have extra water nearby.
- Most importantly, make sure the fire is fully extinguished before you walk away by putting it out with water. Stir the area with a shovel and ensure all the embers are cool and completely out!
There ya go, good tips to enjoy your summer safely. I certainly hope you and yours have a safe, fire-free, very fun July out there!
If you or someone you know needs help with fire damage repairs around the house or a business, give us a call 24/7!! We will fix you up! 865-691-1169.
Thanks for stopping by, see you in August!
-Amanda