With summer not so far away, it is important to think about the Fire Safety precautions one can take during the warmer months to prevent a Fire. With the warm temperatures, families like to take advantage of the outdoors with barbeques, campfires, etc.
UK Fire Statistics, state that Secondary fires made up over half of all fires attended by fire and rescue services in 2016-17
UK Fire Statistics, state that Secondary fires (mainly outdoor fires) made up over half of all fires attended by local authority fire and rescue services in 2016-17. During the summer holiday season, it is crucial to take careful precautions to guard against the risk of a fire.
For Summer Fire Safety, there are simple steps one can take, such as taking care when using the barbeque, electrical devices, and disposing of cigarettes responsibly. Following is the guide on Summer Fire Safety, to help protect one within different environments.
Barbeques
As warmer weather approaches, most people are likely to spend more time appreciating the outdoors. If one is planning on firing up the barbeque, they need to be aware of the fire safety hazards and how to protect one.
Whether enjoying a barbeque in the home garden or while camping, it is important to barbeque safely and responsibly. Depending on the type of barbeque being used, different fire tips are advised.
Tips for BBQs
Before making the most of the good weather, it is important to ensure that the barbeque is in good working condition to rule out the risk of a fire.
When it comes to lighting the barbeque, never use any flammable liquids. Instead, one should prepare in advance and buy charcoal to cover the base. Only use the barbeque in suitable and safe areas, away from sheds, fences, trees, and shrubs to avoid the risk of fire.
Never leave it unattended and make sure to extinguish them properly. Never put the barbeque in the tent, or tent porch, either during or after use, as it will release Carbon Monoxide fumes which can be harmful.
Charcoal BBQs
If one is using a charcoal barbeque, they need to use proper charcoal starter fluid. In case of an emergency, always ensure there is a close water supply, such as a bucket of water or sand nearby.
Charcoal barbeques should be on a flat surface, without too much charcoal. Otherwise, it could tip and start a fire on land. After fully extinguishing it, one must wait 48 hours before disposing of charcoal and ashes.
Gas BBQs
When it comes to using a gas barbeque, one must check for propane leaks beforehand. If there is a need to change the gas cylinder, make sure the tap is turned off.
To store a gas cylinder, one needs to be kept in safe conditions, away from direct sunlight and frost. When one finishes cooking, it is crucial to turn the gas supply off and then the barbeque control to prevent any leaks.
Camping Safety
To keep safe when camping or caravanning, one must ensure the caravans and tents are at least six meters apart
Did anyone know a fire can destroy a tent in less than 60 seconds? To keep safe when camping or caravanning, one must ensure the caravans and tents are at least six meters apart and away from parked cars. This reduces the risk of fire spreading.
In the event of an emergency, it is useful to keep a torch nearby, not lighted candles. If one wants to use a solid fuel stove, never use petrol or paraffin to light it. One must be aware of the fire-fighting arrangements on the campsite and where the nearest telephone is.
Outdoor Fires
In the UK, fire statistics show that on average 74,000 fires are started on grass and heathland every year. During the summer season, we are brought outdoor fetes, festivals, food shows, etc.
It is important to consider the fire safety tips when visiting these events. Generally, most summer occasions are held in fields containing grass and heathland, which can become very dry in the hot weather.
So if a fire is accidentally or deliberately started outdoors, it can spread incredibly fast.
- Dispose of cigarettes or smoking materials responsibly
- Use BBQs in suitable and safe areas - never left unattended
- Never start open fires in the countryside
- Sunlight shining through glass can start large fires - dispose of glass in safe areas e.g. recycling banks
- If camping or staying in a caravan, keep both at least six meters distance apart.
- Keep flammable liquids and gas cylinders away from tents
Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are most common during the summertime, especially in offices or working environments
Electrical fires are most common during the summertime, especially in offices or working environments where they’re not prepared to deal with a sudden heatwave.
This encourages the people to bring out their storage portable desk fans and portable air conditioning units to help keep cool. Although this increases the hazard of electrical defects, without standard checks in place this could cause a fire.
- Increased Portable Air Con / Fans - overloading sockets.
- Broken Wiring Hazards
- Cover Air vents could pose a risk of overheating and causing a huge fire
Preventing an Electrical fire
- Don't overload electrical sockets, extension leads, or adapters. If electrical sockets are overloaded, they can overheat and potentially burst into flames.
- Check the condition of portable device wiring. E.g. fraying, general wear and tear, or loose plugs
- Make sure all portable items have been tested by a qualified company
