How To Keep Your Backyard Safe From Fire

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

Written by Kandi Newnes of SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County on 4/28/17

As the weather gets warmer, we tend to spend more time in our backyards. Using fire pits and patio heaters, as well as grilling are popular ways to relax in our backyards, but they pose the risk of fire and related injuries.

Here are important tips to keep your backyard safe from fire:

• Fire Pits
• Keep flammable material and fluids such as charcoal and gasoline away from the fire pit.
• Never use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, and kerosene to light or relight fires.
• Place your pit at least 10 feet away from any structures, fencing or other flammable material.
• Find a level surface for your fire pit. Don’t place it under tree branches and telephone or electrical wires.
• Don’t allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets at a safe distance away from the fire pit.
• Don’t wear flammable or loose-fitting clothing such as nylon near the fire pit.
• Use only seasoned hardwood to maintain the fire pit. Avoid burning trash, leaves, paper, cardboard or plywood, as well as soft wood such as pine or cedar.
• Don’t overload the fire pit.
• Before you light the fire, check the wind direction and make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, a bucket of water or garden hose nearby to extinguish in an emergency.
• Grilling
• Only use propane and charcoal barbecue grills outdoors.
• Place the grill well away from the home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Remove grease or fat buildup from the grills. Grease and fat burn quickly and can cause burn injuries or fires.
• Always supervise the grill.
• If you have a charcoal grill, use only charcoal starter fluid to light the grill. However, charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using paper as a fuel.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• After you finish grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• Patio Heaters
• Patio heaters are fueled by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that can be dangerous if improperly used.
• Only use patio heaters outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Never use them indoors under any circumstances.
• Don’t use patio heaters when it is windy. Wind can blow out the flame and tip over the patio heater.
• Never allow children to operate patio heaters. Keep children and pets at a safe distance away from patio heaters.
• Ensure the tap is off before changing the gas cylinder and do it in the open air.
• Make sure you know how to turn the patio heater OFF before you turn it ON.