Summer Fire Safety Tips

Summer Fire Safety Tips

Did you know that during the summer months, there are approximately 5,000 fires every day in the United States? Between cookouts and normal wear and tear on cooling and outdoor equipment, homes and storage buildings are especially susceptible to fire, so it is always best practice to make sure you have a fully charged fire extinguisher available at all times.

Here are some tips to stay safe during the summer:

  • It is important to have your HVAC system is regularly maintained and cleaned. Dust particles can build up in your system and on the electrical components, which can then lead to fires. Also, most people are unaware of this, but running your cooling system unit for long periods at a time in the summer can also lead to fires. When possible, try to turn your unit off to give it a rest.
  • Like HVAC systems, exhaust fans needs to be cleaned too. Dirt and debris can build up causing clogs and leading to fires.
  • Avoid refueling an overheated lawn mower. The combination of heat from the motor and accidental dripped gasoline can lead to a fire. Keep the blades clean so that the motor does not have to overwork itself when you are mowing.
  • Be sure to always properly store your gas away. The combination of hot temperatures and low-pressure relief valves during the summer months can be a safety hazard. Remember to never store your gas indoors.
  • To stay safe while grilling, keep a 3 foot safe zone around the grill and never grill too close to your home. After each use, be sure to clean and remove grease from the pan to prevent grease fires. Also, look out for low hanging branches and never leave a grill unattended.

Last, but not least, remember to test fire and smoke alarms in your home every few months. If your smoke alarm is beeping, it is an indicator that it is time to replace old batteries with new ones.

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