Summer Grilling and Firework Safety

8/17/2018 (Permalink)

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and firework displays.  Along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms, especially during July. Each year, an average of 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after firework-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage.

There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous if safety precautions aren't considered. Your local SERVPRO of Gainesville professionals want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer. Consider the following tips to ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free!

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from 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.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby or a water hose to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.
• Children should never pick up leftover fireworks as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

Tips and information provided by the National Fire Protection Association