Summer Fire Safety Tips

Summer is a time to enjoy outdoor fun with family and friends.  It means there are lots of opportunities for barbecues, fireworks, and camp outs.  Here are our top 10 tips for summer fire safety.  Follow these as well as more important tips from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs to help protect against fire hazards and safety risks.

  • All barbeque grills must only be used outdoors — using grills indoors or in enclosed spaces is not only a fire hazard, but it exposes occupants to toxic gasses and potential asphyxiation.

  • Always position the grill well away from combustible objects — buildings, fences, deck railings and landscaping can easily and quickly ignite.

  • Never leave a lit grill unattended.

  • Always use long handled grilling utensils and heat resistant oven mitts to avoid exposure burns from heat and flames.

  • Douse hot coals with plenty of water before disposing of them. Never put them inside plastic, paper or wooden trash bins or containers.

  • If you build a campfire, make sure you keep it small and that you douse it with water to put it out completely. Never leave the camping area without putting out the campfire.

  • When using a lawnmower, never fuel it while it is still hot. Give it a few minutes to cool down.

  • Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.

  • Appoint a responsible person to be in charge of fireworks. Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.

  • Be certain to check for burn restrictions in your area.  Burn restrictions are in force until then and are posted online at http://novascotia.ca/burnsafe . People should also check municipal bylaws as their rules may vary.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Clare Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“Clare Mutual”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Clare Mutual. By providing this information to you, Clare Mutual does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.