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Summer Safety
Every season brings its own safety hazards. During the summer months, there is an increased risk of fire associated with the use of barbecue grills, gasoline, air conditioners, and other electrical appliances.
Related Documents
- Extreme Heat Safety (Spanish) (PDF)
- Fireworks Safety Tips (PDF)
- Grilling Safety Tips (PDF)
- Thunderstorm Safety (PDF)
- Thunderstorm Safety (Spanish) (PDF)
Related Links
Opening hot radiators is one of the leading causes of burns. These burns can be prevented with patience and appropriate precautions. When your car overheats, or even when it's just running for a while, pressure builds up inside the radiator. If you open a hot car radiator, hot steam and liquid can splash on your face and hands, causing painful, disfiguring burns. Always:
- Turn off your car and wait at least one-half hour before attempting to open the radiator.
- Use a heavy rag or cloth to open the radiator.
- Stand back as far as possible. Keep you face out of the way in case the radiator should rupture.
The 4th of July fireworks is an American tradition. But did you know that more fires are reported on that day than on any other day of the year in the United States? Nearly half of these fires are caused by amateur fireworks. The Charleston Fire Department recommends you enjoy a professional, supervised fireworks display, rather than trying to do it yourself.
Gasoline vapors are highly flammable. They stay on your clothing and can ignite if you light a match or a cigarette.
- Store gasoline only in approved containers, outside, or in a building not attached to the house. Never keep gasoline inside the home.
- Keep gasoline away from all heat sources such as smoking materials, pilot lights, campfires, and grills.
- Never fuel a lawn mower while it is hot. Gove it a few minutes to cool off first.
- Keep hands and feet away from the mower while it is running.
- Always were shoes or boots (not barefoot or flip-flops) while moving.
Use all barbecue grills away from the house in the backyard. In multi-family dwellings, charcoal burners/grills and LP-gas burners/grills with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds [nominal one pound LP-gas capacity] shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Contact the Charleston Fire Marshal at 843-720-1981 to determine if your grill location suitable.
Gas Grills
LP-gas (propane) is heavier than air and sinks. A leaky grill could pose a hazard to people below. Possible ignition sources include smoking materials, air conditioners, compressors, pilot lights, and cars. Make sure all connections are tight and secure.
- Keep all LP-gas cylinders/grills outside, 10 feet away from building openings such as doors, windows, dryer vents; and 20-feet away from air intake vents and ignition sources.
Charcoal Grills
- Use only charcoal lighter fluid to start charcoal grills.
- Once the coals have been lighted, never add lighter fluid to the fire - flames may travel up the stream of lighter fluid resulting in serious burns.