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4th of July Safety Tips

Sunday, July 1, 2018

July 4^th Safety Tips

Let's have a fire-safe 4^th!!!

Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
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.

For more information and a list of Maryland-legal fireworks, visit: For a 31 page list of Maryland-legal fireworks, visit:

https://www.mdsp.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Ug_31mENVOc%3d&tabid=590

Pool Safety:

Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Consider surrounding your pool with a 4-feet tall fence with self-closing, self-latching gates. Use safety covers for both pools and hot tubs.
Always supervise children.
Never allow anyone to swim alone. Ensure no one swims near pool drains.
Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim.
Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Utilize appropriate chemical levels, circulation, and filtration. Complete regular water tests.
Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment such as life rings. Ensure everyone knows how to do CPR.
For more information visit: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/home-pool-safety

Grilling Safety:

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Never leave your grill unattended.

Before you use your grill:

Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.
Check the gas (propane) tank hose for the potential (gas) leaks. To do that:
- Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
- Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
- If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department immediately.

When the grill is on:

As you are cooking, if you smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.
If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
If the smell continues, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately. Do not move the grill.

Charcoal grills

There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Have a safe summer!!