C.V.F.P.D Fire Safety : Summer Time

Barbecue safety | Gasoline safety | Fireworks safety With the “official” kick off to summer behind us, the Cherry Valley Fire Dept. would like to remind you that fire safety never takes a vacation. There are several things that you can do to keep you and your family safe this summer season.

Barbecue safety Beware when you barbeque. Recent statistics indicate over 6,100 reported home fires involving gas or charcoal grills in the U.S., leading to over $29.1 million in direct property damage. When using barbeque grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding, eaves and trees. Always supervise a barbeque grill when in use. Keep children and pets far away from barbeque grills. With charcoal grills, only use starter fluids recommended for barbeque grills. Never add starter fluid or any other flammable fluids after coals have been lit! With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying a solution of soap and water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and have your grill repaired by a certified repairperson, if necessary.

Gasoline safety Although fires involving gasoline are thought to be suspicious in nature, accidents do occur. Such accidental fires can be attributed to fuel spills, using gasoline to wash parts, clean or refinish; gasoline too close to a heat source; children playing; improper storage; using gasoline to start or ignite charcoal grills and improper fueling such as using to fuel a kerosene heater. Remember: Do not use or store gasoline near possible ignition sources (electrical devices, oil or gas fired appliances, or any other device that contains a pilot or spark ignition). Always store gasoline outside the home (garage or shed) in a tightly closed metal or plastic container approved for such storage. Never store gasoline in glass containers or any non-reusable container such as a plastic milk jug. Do not smoke when handling gasoline. Do not use cellular phones or other electrical devices when fueling with gasoline. When filling a container, always fill with the container on the ground. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or in the bed of a pick-up truck. Never use gasoline in place of kerosene.

Fireworks safety Did you know that “legal” fireworks such as snake or glow worm pellets, smoke devices, sparklers, trick noisemakers (known as party poppers, snappers, cigarette loads), toy guns (cap pistols), or other devices in which paper or plastic caps are used and known as novelty items are the only items allowed by law in Illinois? Young people suffer the great majority of fireworks injuries caused by other than “legal” fireworks. Typical injuries include eye, head and hand injuries resulting in blindness, permanent scarring and amputation. Bystanders are more often injured by fireworks than the users themselves. Teach children at an early age that fireworks are explosive devices, not toys. Be sure that children understand it’s too risky to pick up fireworks. Teach them to tell an adult if they find fireworks. Leave the use of fireworks to trained professionals at public displays. Just sit back and enjoy the show!