Summer and Fire Safety

Summer  is fast approaching.  We all look forward to cookouts, picnics, 4th of July celebrations, and vacation with family.  Unfortunately, fire hazards are of a great concern during this time of year.

Approximately 3,400 Americans die and over 17,500 are injured each year due to fires. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in home cooking fires. Two-thirds (67%) of home cooking fires started with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. According to the U. S. Fire Administration/FEMA, 57% of all grill fires occur in the months of May-August and 65% of all injuries reported in 2011 occurred in a 30 day period surrounding 4th of July.

Barbeque safety tips:

• Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.  Clothing is the item first ignited in less than 1% of  fires, but account for 16% of the cooking fire deaths.
• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
• Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.

A special study done by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2011 showed  fireworks were involved in an estimated 9,600 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. In that year,  fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage. Did you know sparklers burn at 2000 F and out of all the injuries caused by fireworks 45% of them are children under the age of 15 yrs.The best defense against fire is prevention, but in the event of a fire knowing the right steps could stop injury and severe property damage from occurring.

• Have all purpose fire extinguishers available for use. Teach everyone in your home how to use one.
• Install dual action detectors in your home that can sense fumes as well as smoke, changing the batteries at least twice a year.
• Have an escape plan that includes a safe meeting place
• Have fire drills.
• Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire.
• Everyone in your home should know how to call 911 or your local emergency number

Unfortunately fires do happen. If a fire should cause damage to your home and you are ready to repair contact PRS at  727-NO-WATER, or www.PRS24hr.com. Being a licensed contractor we are the "one stop shop" for home repairs and remodeling. PRS specializes in water removal, soot and fire damage, and mold mitigation and remediation.

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/summer.shtm