Henry County Fire Department

Summer Fire/EMS Safety

Grilling/Barbecue Grills

• Grill outdoors
• Once lit, stay with it!
• Keep children away from grilling area

Charcoal Grills

• Only use starter fluid
• Use limited amount
• Soak coals in water before discarding
• Leave grill away from home until completely cool
  

Gas Grills

• Store gas cylinder outside away from structures
• Turn off valves when not in use
• Check frequently for leaks in connections –use soap and water mix
• When purchasing look for mark of independent testing laboratory
• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions

Fireworks

• Leave any area where amateurs are using fireworks
• Attend outdoor public displays put on by professionals

Camping/Campfires

• Pitch (flame retardant) tent away from campfire
• Build campfire downwind, away from tent
• Use battery powered heating and lighting inside the tent or any other enclosed area, as opposed to liquid-fueled heaters and lanterns.
• Pour water or dirt over campfire before leaving campsite or going to sleep

Using Gasoline

• Always store outside home
• Store in approved and well marked containers
• Only store small amounts
• Store away from any heat source or flame
• Only use as a motor fuel only
• Never store in a vehicle
• Move equipment away from any spillage before starting engine
• Turn off equipment and allow to cool before re-fueling

Boating

• Shut down motor before fueling
• Be sure fueling nozzle is grounded to the fuel intake
• Do not fill to capacity-leave room for expansion
• Wipe up spills and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors
• After fueling and before starting motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes.
• Only use portable stoves and heater specifically designed for marine use
• Keep a marine fire extinguisher on board at all times

Pools

• Store and use pool chemicals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Always store outside and away from the home, any heat source or flame
• Actively supervise your children around water at all times, and have a phone nearby to call for help in an emergency.
• Make sure your pool has four-sided fencing and a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent a child from wandering into the pool area unsupervised. In addition, hot tubs should be covered and locked when not in use.
• Install a door alarm, a window alarm or both to alert you if a child wanders into the pool area unsupervised.
• From the start, teach children to never go near or in water without an adult present.
• Enroll your child in swimming lessons after age 4 – typically the earliest age when they are likely to practice and retain information. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore.
• Learn CPR and know how to respond in water emergencies.
• Warn your children about the dangers of drain entanglement and entrapment and teach them to never play or swim near drains or suction outlets.
• Never swim in a pool or hot tub that has a broken, loose or missing drain cover.
• Install protection to prevent entrapment if you own a pool or hot tub.

Heat Injuries

• Sunburns
• Heat Cramps
• Heat Exhaustion
• Heat Syncope
• Heat Stroke
  

To prevent heat injuries:

• Increase your intake of non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, caffeine free beverages such as water, clear juices, and sports beverages.
• Wear clothing that is light in color and loose fitting.
• Use sunscreen before going out into the sun
• Avoid the outdoors during extreme heat and stay out of the sun.
• Stay in air-conditioned environments when possible.
• Check on elderly-they are especially susceptible to heat related injuries.
• Reduce outdoor activity in the heat of the day.