Grill Safety

• For gas grills you should check your propane tanks for leaks before you press the unit into service.

• Keep your grills clean and free of fat build-up

• Make sure the lid is open before attempting to light it.

• Keep your grill at least 10' from structures.

• Click here to check out more tips on grill safety from the NFPA.

 

Lightning Safety

• Here in Fairfield Glade we enjoy 5 beautiful golf courses, outdoor pools, beaches and picnic areas. We can get powerful summer storms. Educate yourself on the dangers of lighning and how to protect yourself.

• Click here to learn more.
   

Outdoor Fire Pits & Bonfires

• Risk: Flying embers, wind-blown flames, and improper extinguishing.

• Prevention:

  • Use a spark screen.

  • Keep fires small and manageable.

  • Have a hose or bucket of water nearby.

  • Fully extinguish before leaving.

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Lawn Equipment & Refueling

• Risk: Hot mower engines igniting dry grass or fuel vapors during refueling.

• Prevention:

  • Refuel only when engines are cool.

  • Clear dry grass or debris from equipment regularly.

  • Store fuel away from the home.

 

Overloaded Electrical Outlets (Outdoor Use)

• Risk: Extension cords and fans overheating or sparking.

• Prevention:

  • Use outdoor-rated cords and power strips.

  • Never daisy-chain multiple cords.

  • Avoid running cords under rugs or in wet areas.

  • Click here to check out the NFPA outdoor electrical safety suggestions

 

Mulch & Landscaping Fires

• Risk: Dry mulch can ignite from discarded cigarettes or heat from exterior lighting.

• Prevention:

  • Maintain a non-combustible zone (5 ft) around the house.

  • Water mulch beds during drought.

  • Keep exterior lighting cool and away from dry materials.

 

Fireworks

• Risk: Embers igniting roofs, trees, or dry grass.

• Prevention:

  • Avoid home use—attend public displays instead.

  • Keep a hose nearby if used.

  • Never use near structures or dry vegetation.

  • Click here to check out the NFPA suggestions regarding fireworks.

 

Wildfire Exposure

• Risk: Wind-driven embers and radiant heat in fire-prone areas.

• Prevention:

  • Maintain defensible space around the home.

  • Harden the home using Firewise principles.

  • Clean gutters and rooflines of dry leaves and pine needles.

  • Click here for wildfire prevention tips.​
     

Dryer Safety

• Summer is the perfect time to clean out that dryer vent pipe.

• Check out this list of helpful hints on keeping those vents in “tip top” shape.

 

Lithium Battery Safety

• Summertime is when we press all those battery powered yard tools into service

• Many of the newer mowers and trimmers use lithium-ion batteries. While battery technologies have come a long way, they come with some cautions.

• Click here to get some suggestions on battery safety.

 

There are many reasons to welcome summer. Boating, swimming and camping to name a few. Taking a few easy safety steps can go a long way to having a safe and happy summer.

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Kirk McLaughlin, Chief