[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Fire Department Safety Advisory for Drought Conditions

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Battalion Chief Brad Fraizer, Fire Marshal 573-874-7557
24 Hour Public Information Officer contact - 573-441-6608.
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Fire Department Safety Advisory for Drought Conditions

COLUMBIA, MO (August 27, 2012) - 
Fire Department Safety Advisory for Drought Conditions

As the Missouri Tigers football team prepares to move into the SEC with its inaugural game on September 8, Columbia Fire Department officials would like to remind everyone to be cautious while tailgating this year.

Over the last several months, mid-Missouri has experienced severe drought conditions.  Fire Department officials encourage everyone to review and apply the following tips to help keep the community safe:

1.) Be aware of where you park.  With grass and vegetation being extremely
dry, it will quickly ignite when exposed to hot automotive exhaust pipes.

2.) Be very careful with outdoor grilling.  Approximately 8,200 fires occur each year due
to activities involving grills. Fire officials expect this figure will grow due to conditions this year.  Do not discard hot coals into grass or other vegetation and do not place grills under a vehicle during the game.

3.) If you smoke cigarettes, do not discard the butts outside.  Even small embers
can lead to large fires in today's dry conditions.

4.) If you see smoke, immediately call 911.  Small fires can get out of control quickly in
drought conditions.

"We realize everyone wants to have a great tailgating experience," said Shawn McCollom,
Assistant Fire Marshal. "However, with our current conditions it's important that everyone take just a little bit more time to be aware of their surroundings as they start their tailgating activities.  Staying safe not only means we're avoiding accidental fires.  It also allows us to concentrate our resources on medical emergencies and other fire calls as they happen."


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