It’s the time of year when we break out the BBQs, sunscreen, and swimming trunks.

Let’s review some tips to make sure your summer holiday cookouts, pool parties, and firework celebrations are safely enjoyed with friends and family.

BBQ

Summer is peak fire season, and each year, the classic backyard cookout is responsible for serious property damage and personal injury…

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• Grills should be placed well away from homes, decks, and out from under eaves.
• Maintain a 10-foot area that is free of brush and shrubbery around grills.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from grill units.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Never add flammable liquids to a fire.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Staying Cool

Heat stress kills. Remember three simple words: water, rest, and shade…

• Wear light colored clothing to reflect the sunlight.
• Wear clothes that breath.
• Wear sunglasses and hats.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Hydrate with cold water and fluids with electrolytes.
• Take refuge from the sun periodically, and make sure kids do the same.

Be Your Own Lifeguard

Everyone loves a refreshing dip in the water, and respect for the hazard is key to satying afloat…

• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.
• Learn CPR.
• Children never swim alone.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child.
• Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol affects swimming and diving skills and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.
• Install and use barriers around your home pool. Safety covers and pool alarms should be added as additional layers of protection.
• Keep toys that are not in use away from the pool and out of sight. Toys can attract young children to the pool.
• If you go boating, wear a life jacket.
• When at the beach, the lake, or the river, make sure to swim only in designated areas.
• Never dive head first into any body of water where depth is unknown.
• Actively supervise kids even if lifeguards are present.

Fireworks

Before you light that first firework, take some solid safety advice, along with every precaution…

• Obey local laws with respect to use of fireworks.
• Read cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Create at least 30 foot safe zone around your home that is free of anything that may ignite and spread to the structure.
• Make sure to keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or other fire suppression tools on hand in case of emergency.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Have fun this summer and remember these simple tips so you can avoid becoming a statistic.

Until next time, stay positive and stay safe.

Learn more about safety training online.