05/24/2026
Some safety tips to keep in mind this Memorial Day and throughout summer 🇺🇸
Grilling Safety 🌭
-Always grill outdoors, never inside.
-A burning grill should always be attended by an adult.
-Never use a gas or charcoal grill on a porch, balcony, or fire escape.
-Place grills at least 10 feet away from buildings and deck railings. Make sure grills are not under eaves or overhanging branches.
-Always keep matches, lighters, and lighter fluid away from children.
-Create a three-foot “circle of safety” around grills. Keep children and pets at least three feet away on all sides.
-If you are using a gas grill, remember to open the lid before you light it to avoid the ignition of built-up propane.
-If you smell gas while you are cooking, turn off the grill, move away, and call 911 from a safe location.
-Don’t move the grill, always turn off the burners, and close the propane cylinder when you’re done cooking.
-If you are cooking with a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid, and do not use gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill, because you never want to add any flammable liquid to burning briquettes or hot coals. Allow all of the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposing of them. If you must get rid of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.
Gasoline Safety ⛽️
Serious gasoline-related burns are high in the summer months, with about 40 percent reported from June through August. It’s important to always be cautious when using gasoline, especially in the area of any heat source:
-Gasoline should only be used as fuel for an engine, not as a solvent.
-Never use gasoline to start a fire or add it to any fire.
-Store gasoline only outside the home, such as in a locked shed, and always in an approved container. Never store gasoline in the home or basement.
-Refuel lawnmowers, leaf blowers, mopeds, and other devices only when the engine is cool. Never refill while it is hot.
-Keep gasoline away from all heat sources, such as smoking materials, campfires, and grills.
Brush and Wildland Fire Safety 🍂
-Clear away dry leaves and sticks and overhanging low branches and shrubs.
-Keep campfires small so they are easier to control and attend to them at all times.
-Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire.
-Make sure your campfire is out cold before leaving.
-Don’t park a vehicle or power equipment, such as a lawnmower, on or near dry vegetation. A hot engine or exhaust can ignite dry grass, leaves, or debris.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe and fun summer! 😎
