4 Essential Fire Safety Tips this Summer

When you’re soaking up the sunshine with friends on a hot summer day, fire prevention is probably the last thing on your mind. But did you know that summer is actually one of the most dangerous seasons for fire-related injuries and deaths? Fortunately, you don’t have to cancel summertime fun to stay safe. There are plenty of easy ways to ensure nothing goes awry — the hardest part is remembering to practice them!

Campfire Safety 101

Proper preparation is key when it comes to keeping campfires safe and in control. Always build them in an existing fire ring or fire pit that’s far away from grass, leaves, overhanging tree branches, and other flammable items. Keep a large bucket of water nearby in case of emergency and remember to put the fire out when you’re done.

Make sure the match you use to light your campfire is completely extinguished by pouring water over it or throwing it (carefully!) into the fire to burn. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluids, or any other type of flammable liquid to start a campfire.

Finally, you must never leave an active campfire unattended, even on overnight trips. If you want to keep a campfire going all night long, make sure there is always someone designated to stay awake and watch over it.

Gas Storage Essentials

Stocking up on propane gas for your grill? Make sure you store your tanks safely. First and foremost, they should always be kept at least 10 feet away from any ignition source, including your barbeque grill. In fact, the only time a propane tank should be anywhere near a grill is when it is in use.

Propane tanks should also be kept outdoors, in well-ventilated areas that are out of direct sunlight. They must be stored upright on a flat, level surface — never on their side or upside down — and you should always double-check that the valve is tightly closed.

Road Trip Safety

Fire safety needs to be practiced at all times during the summer, even when you’re on the road! If you’re embarking on a road trip with friends, it’s important to be mindful while you’re having fun. Never throw a lit cigarette, cigar, or match out of your car window, as it could ignite dry vegetation or trash on the ground. If you’re driving in heavy rain or during a thunder and lightning storm, slow your speed, keep an eye out for downed power lines, and take shelter indoors as soon as you can.

It’s also smart to familiarize yourself with wildfire risks in the areas you’re traveling to (especially national parks), as well as identify emergency fire exits at the hotels you stay in.

Fireworks Safety

We know that fireworks can bring joy and excitement to festivities, but they can be dangerous if not used properly! This is why we’ve launched a consumer fireworks safety campaign, “Celebrate Safely, PA!”.

It is important to remember to read fireworks directions carefully, have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby at all times, and never light fireworks indoors. If a firework doesn’t go off, do not attempt to relight it. Assume it is live and douse it with water before picking it up and throwing it away. Learn more fireworks safety tips and about how you can keep yourselves and your loved ones safe here!