Fire Prevention Safety Tips For Homeowners This Summer

Homeowners already have enough to worry about whenever the warm season comes around, like keeping their summer cooling costs down or regularly maintaining their vents clean in order to keep their HVAC systems running as efficiently as possible. However, with current summer temperatures reaching all-time highs across the country, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your home is protected from fire and smoke damage.

So instead of potentially destroying your investment, leaving you and your family out in the elements, here are some fire prevention safety tips for a variety of summer activities that will keep you and yours safe.

Ensure that your gas grill runs properly

• In a well-ventilated area, open the valve on the gas tank and inspect the hose for leaks. This can be done either by covering the hose in soapy water and checking for bubbles or smelling gas while inspecting the hose.
• If you smell gas at any point while cooking, immediately walk away from the grill and do not move it. However, if the flame goes out, turn off both the gas and grill then wait 5 minutes before relighting. Built-up gas within the grill is highly flammable and dangerous.

Operate your cooking appliances responsibly

• Whether you are cooking with gas or charcoal, keep all equipment at least 3 feet away from brush, foliage, furnishings, and anything else that can burn.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Do not set up cooking equipment in heavily trafficked areas.
• Observe all laws and rules while cooking within private campgrounds.
• Cover your hot coals and embers with dirt before leaving and pack out what you brought in.

Enjoy fireworks responsibly

• Consider going to a public fireworks show. Save yourself some money and potentially you or your neighbor’s home by taking in a local fireworks display.
• Keep a close eye on children. If any children are going to be in close proximity to fireworks, ensure that they are a safe distance away from the blast to prevent injury.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby. If consumer fireworks are on the agenda, dispose of spent fireworks in the bucket once they have cooled and use the extinguisher if needed for small fires.
• Call the fire department if needed. Don’t try to be a hero. If you see anything that is off, or if an ill-landed firework finds its way into dry brush or someone else’s house, call the fire department.

How FAMCO Can Help

FAMCO is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of HVAC equipment and supplies in the Pacific Northwest. We design all of our equipment with safety and efficiency in mind because we understand how important it is to not only help our customers feel safer in their homes, but to also be proud of what we put our name on. If you have any questions about our products or services, feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email. We would be more than happy to help.