BBQ Safety
BEFORE BARBECUING
Check your grill thoroughly for leaks, cracking or brittleness before using it.
Check the tubes leading to the burner regularly for blockages. Check with your specific grill manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure the grill is at least 10 feet away from your house, garage or trees.
Store and use your grill on a large flat surface that cannot burn (i.e.- concrete or asphalt).
Don't use grills in a garage, porch, deck or on top of anything that can catch on fire. Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof. It is both dangerous and illegal.
Keep children away from fires and grills. It is a good idea to establish a safety zone around the grill and instruct children to remain outside the zone. A chalk line works great for this purpose.
Have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose attached to a water supply, or at least 16-quarts of water close by in case of a fire.
Before getting a propane cylinder filled, check for any damages to it.
Never transport or store propane cylinders in the trunk of your automobile.
DURING BARBECUING
Don't wear loose clothing that might catch fire.
Use long handled barbecue tools and/or flame resistant mitts.
Never use any flammable liquid other than a barbecue starter fluid to start or freshen a fire.
Never pour or squirt starter fluid onto an open flame. The flame can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands.
Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill, they are flammable!
Never leave the grill unattended.
BBQ SAFELY
When lighting your propane barbecue, make sure all the connections are secure and open the lid and strike your match or lighter BEFORE turning on the gas.
ALWAYS shut off the propane fuel at the grill and at the bottle after you have finished barbecuing. Otherwise, this will lead to fire hazards, such as leaks and faulty regulators.
Store your BBQ and propane cylinder outdoors.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe use, cleaning and maintenance of your BBQ.
Test your cylinder for leaks on a regular basis. When testing for leaks, never use matches or an open flame. Use soapy water or a leak detector.
Store your cylinder away from heat and insert a safety plug on the valve.
AFTER BARBECUING
Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning and storing instructions that accompany the grill.
Keep your grill clean and free of grease buildup that may lead to a fire.
Never store liquid or pressurized fuels inside your home and/or near any possible sources of flame.
IN CASE OF A BARBECUE FIRE
For PROPANE Grills - turn off the burners. For CHARCOAL Grills - close the grill lid. Disconnect the power to ELECTRIC Grills.
For PROPANE Grills - if you can safely reach the tank valve, shut it off.
If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department.
If there is any type of fire that either threatens your personal safety or endangers property, ALWAYS DIAL 911.
NEVER attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water. It will only cause the flames to flare up. Use an approved portable fire extinguisher.
REMEMBER -
Propane barbecue grills and no more than two (2) 20-pound propane tanks are allowed on the grounds of a one or two-family home, but be sure to follow the fire safety precautions above.
Only use a charcoal barbecue on a balcony or terrace if there is a ten-foot clearance from the building and there is an immediate source of water (garden hose or four (4) gallon pail of water).
Pool Safety
Unfortunately, it takes just seconds for a child to drown. Drowning is the leading cause of death in many states for children under the age of five. Most of these children drown in their own backyard swimming pool, but others drown in buckets, bathtubs, toilets, dog water bowls, canals and ponds. Small children are top-heavy, and they don't have the upper body strength to lift themselves out of one of these dangerous situations. Even if the child survives the incident, they are often left with permanent brain damage.
Drowning and near drowning can be prevented, and you can help! Anyone involved with the supervision of children needs to be aware of the dangers associated with any body of water. Below are important tips to prevent needless tragedies.
Spring Safety
Spring Forward For Fire Safety: Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries As You Change Your Clocks.
Daylight Saving Time means setting the clocks forward and it’s chance to consider fire safety. It's important to have smoke detectors installed throughout your house but it's not enough to simply install and forget about them. Twice a year, it is critical that you test your smoke detectors and replace their batteries. An easy way to tackle this task is to change your smoke detector batteries as you go through your house to change your clocks. At the same time, it can be helpful to dust or vacuum the detectors to keep them free of debris that can interfere with the their operation. Establishing this habit twice a year could save the lives of you and your loved ones.
More than half of home fire deaths result from fires in the homes with no smoke alarms. Eighty-six percent of all homes in the United States have at least one smoke detector but a third of them do not work. Most smoke detector failures are attributed to a lack of annual battery replacement. With Daylight Saving Time upon us, it is a good reminder to change those batteries. Should you neglect to change your smoke detector’s batteries, the device may make a chirping sound to alert you that the battery is running low. One should not rely solely on that warning noise. It is always better to proactively change the battery every six months. Once your smoke detectors have been cleaned and their batteries replaced, ensure that everyone in your household is familiar with the sound the smoke alarm emits and knows how to react immediately.
In addition to replacing smoke detector batteries, spring is a good time to rid your home of fire hazards that exist in the form of grease, grime and dust that builds up on appliance chords and in hidden corners of the house. Below are some ways to consider fire safety while doing your spring cleaning this year.
Small Appliances
Appliances throughout your home should be cleared of dust and grime that has collected on both the units and their electrical cords. Grease should be removed from the outside of kitchen appliances with a slightly damp rag. The grease pan underneath the toaster oven should be cleaned.
Large Appliances
The area underneath and behind your washer and dryer units should be cleared of dust and stray materials and the dryer vent should also be cleaned. Refrigerators present the extra job of cleaning the condenser coils at the back. The coils collect dust and grime and need to be wiped clean or vacuumed to keep the condenser functioning. If you have a self-defrosting unit remember to empty and clean the tray at the bottom of the unit.
Electrical Cords
Check the cords of your washer and dryer units, television, stereo system, computer and small appliances such as the coffee pot, microwave and toaster oven. The cords should not be frayed, split or bare and should be unplugged and wiped clean with a dry cloth. Any frayed, split or bare electrical cords that you find while cleaning should be repaired or replaced to avoid the danger of electrical fires. Systems such as stereos, computers and televisions, which have multiple electrical cords, should be connected through a power strip with a circuit breaker protection to avoid overloading a single electric outlet. Make sure that cords are placed at least 2-3 inches away from the wall and are not run underneath rugs.
More:
Following these spring cleaning tips will help reduce fire hazards in your home by removing the dust and grime that can act as sources of ignition for a fire. By taking steps toward fire prevention, lives can be saved.
Smoke Alarms and Detectors
Smoke detectors are devices that automatically sound a warning when they sense smoke or other products of combustion. They are usually mounted on a wall or the ceiling. When people are warned early enough about a fire, they can escape before it spreads. You can purchase one starting at $6.
Every year house fires kill thousands. Fire kills an estimated 4,000 Americans every year. Another 30,000 people are seriously injured by fire each year. Property damage from fire costs us at least $11.2 billion yearly. Most fire victims feel that fire would "never happen to them."
Although we like to feel safe at home, about two-thirds of our nation's fire deaths happen in the victim's own home. The home is where we are at the greatest risk and where we must take the most precautions. Most deaths occur from inhaling smoke or poisonous gases, not from the flames.
Most fatal fires occur in residential buildings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are most likely asleep. Over 90 percent of fire deaths in buildings occur in residential dwellings.
A Johns Hopkins University study, funded by the United States Fire Administration, found that 75 percent of residential fire deaths and 84 percent of residential fire injuries could have been prevented by smoke detectors.
There are two basic types of smoke detectors:
Choosing a smoke detector
When choosing a smoke detector, there are several things to consider. Think about which areas of the house you want to protect, where fire would be most dangerous, how many you will need, etc.
The National Fire Protection Agency recommends that every home have a smoke detector outside each sleeping area (inside as well if members of the household sleep with the door closed) and on every level of the home, including the basement. The National Fire Alarm code requires a smoke detector inside each sleeping area for new construction. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas, such as dens, living rooms or family rooms. Smoke detectors are not recommended for kitchens.
Installation
The placement of smoke detectors is very important. Sleeping areas need the most protection. One detector in a short hallway outside the bedroom area is usually adequate. Hallways longer than 30 feet should have one at each end. For maximum protection, install a detector in each bedroom.
Be sure to keep the detector away from fireplaces and wood stoves to avoid false alarms. Place smoke detectors at the top of each stairwell and at the end of each long hallway. Smoke rises easily through stairwells. If you should put a smoke detector in your kitchen, be sure to keep it away from cooking fumes or smoking areas.
It’s important to properly mount a smoke detector. You can mount many detectors by yourself, however those connected to your household wiring should have their own separate circuit and be installed by a professional electrician. If you mount your detector on the ceiling, be sure to keep it at least 18 inches away from dead air space near walls and corners. If you mount it on the wall, place it six to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from corners. Keep them high because smoke rises.
Never place them any closer than three feet from an air register that might re-circulate smoke. Don't place them near doorways or windows where drafts could impair the detector operation. Don't place them on an un-insulated exterior wall or ceiling. Temperature extremes can affect the batteries.
Maintenance
It’s simple to keep smoke detectors in good condition. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to replace the batteries every year or as needed. Most models will make a chirping, popping or beeping sound when the battery is losing its charge. When this sound is heard, install a fresh battery, preferably an alkaline type.
Remember, every three years to change the bulbs. Keep extras handy. Check the smoke detector every month by releasing smoke or pushing the “test” button. Clean the detector face and grillwork often to remove dust and grease. Never paint a smoke detector as it will hamper its function. Check your detector if you've been away from home.
Smoke Detectors make great housewarming (or any time) gifts. It's an interesting present that can save lives and it shows that you care.
Winter Safety
Keep Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow - An accessible and properly functioning fire hydrant is a vital part of any firefighting operation. Please avoid piling snow on or around fire hydrants. If possible, especially during very heavy snow falls, take a few extra minutes to ‘adopt’ your nearest fire hydrant by clearing the snow from around the hydrant. This improves firefighter’s ability to quickly locate and access the hydrant in an emergency.
Keep Roads Clear for Emergency Vehicles - Operating an emergency vehicle such as a fire truck or an ambulance is a complex job under perfect weather conditions that becomes even more challenging under the current weather conditions. Please exercise extra caution when driving and yield the right of way to emergency vehicles responding to alarms. It's also important to avoid blocking access to snow emergency streets and other key thoroughfares. The same applies to the fire lanes or fire zones in commercial parking lots.
Make Sure That The Address On Your Home is Visible From the Street - While you are out clearing the driveway and the walk, you also need to clear off the markings on the home or business, so firefighters can quickly reach you in an emergency.
Avoid Fires and Injuries by Practicing Basic Winter Safety - The old adage, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ is particularly applicable during the winter months. Many winter emergencies can be avoided by following some basic safety tips such as:
Space Heaters:
Use space heaters for a limited time each day and never connect to an outlet with an extension cord. When not in
use, be sure to unplug the unit and let it cool down if you will be storing the unit. Keep a window ajar or the door
open in a room where an un-vented heater is in use. Never use heaters to dry clothing or other combustibles.
Chimneys and Flues:
Chimneys and flues are not just for fireplaces. Most home heating systems require chimneys and flues to vent. Making sure they are unobstructed and in good condition can help prevent a deadly backup of carbon monoxide gas in your home. All chimneys and flues should be checked to assure that there are no obstructions, clogs, bird nests, or mechanical damage to moving parts. Any of these scenarios can lead to a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide inside your house. Recently, a grandmother, mother, and small child were killed in Staten Island due to a faulty heating system.
Fireplaces:
Before using the fireplace for the first time in a season make sure the flue is open and unobstructed. If there are any obstructions, remove them. If not removed, these obstructions will cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home. Never leave a fireplace unattended. Fireproof mats or material should be used next to your fireplace and stoves. Chimneys and vents should be inspected and cleaned annually (see above). Don't burn newspapers or other trash in a fireplace because they burn too hot and can ignite a chimney fire and never use charcoal in the house. Charcoal produces massive amounts of carbon monoxide. A small bucket or pot of water left handy near the heating device can be used to douse any small embers that pop out onto rugs or other combustible surfaces.
Coal and Wood Burning Stoves:
Use coal only if specifically approved by the stove manufacturer. Gasoline or other flammable liquids should never be used to start a wood fire since it might explode or flare up.
Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Test your home smoke alarms at least once per month. Do this by pressing the test button on the unit. If your detectors are battery operated, check the batteries often to make sure the units are operational. If you do not have one already installed, install a carbon monoxide detector to detect production of potentially lethal carbon monoxide by gas fireplaces, gas stoves, barbecues, gas furnaces.
In the cold weather, monitor young children, elderly family and neighbors, as well as the sick, who are particularly susceptible to the dangers of the cold. Don’t venture out in extremely cold weather unless absolutely necessary. If you must go out, be sure to dress in layers with a water- and windproof outer layer. A hat is a must as 40% of body heat is lost through the head. Don’t smoke or consume alcohol before going out, because these substances alter your body’s circulatory system, making you colder instead of warming your body. Exercise caution when shoveling snow – overexertion can sometimes lead to tragedy.
If you have a fire or smoke emergency with your fireplace or other heating device, follow these rules:
Do not try to fight a large fire yourself.
Call the Fire Dept! Get out of the house!
If you smell gas, or detect a gas leak, Call the Fire Dept!
We will notify Keyspan for you when we arrive.
Note on Propane: DO NOT USE PROPANE DEVICES INDOORS!
Propane has the same explosive power as some military ordnance does. A propane BBQ tank ignited inside a house in Port Washington several years ago, and blew the roof a half mile out into Port Washington Harbor. If we all follow these common sense rules, and maintain our heating systems, we can have a safe and warm winter.