[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Summer Fire Safety Tips

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Battalion Chief Brad Fraizer
Fire Marshal and Public Information Officer
573-441-6608 - Columbia Fire Department Media Line
573-874-7557 Office (M-F, 8-5)


Summer Fire Safety Tips

COLUMBIA, MO (July 16, 2012) - Summertime presents the return of several seasonal fire hazards with
activities shifting outdoors.

Among the most common involve cooking grills, wooden decks, and the use of
gasoline and other flammable liquids.  The Columbia Fire Department has responded to three wooden deck fires in the past five days.

Brad Fraizer, Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal encourages everyone to
consider the following:

Locate grills and any propane tanks/cylinders a safe
distance from buildings, wooden decks and other combustibles. Never store
propone indoors.

Check propane gas hose connections are tight and check hoses
carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely
reveal any leaks.

Inspect and clean venturi tubes and burners (check
owner's manual) of gas grills where spiders and small insects may make nests or
spider webs.  This could lead to a fire.  Frequent
inspection and cleaning is necessary for safe use.

Only use charcoal starter fluids designed for grills and do
not add fluid after coals have been lit.

Eliminate dry leaves, combustible storage or other debris
from beneath wood or plastic constructed decks. Avoid staging trash and other
combustible materials on the deck.

Avoid smoking on a wood deck.  If you permit smoking, use
suitable disposal containers/ashtrays. Never use paper or plastic cups, napkins,
etc.

Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in a building separate from
the house or place of residence, such as a secured shed located a distance from
the main structure. Never store such liquids or propane cylinders inside an attached garage or basement. Always keep out of reach from children.

Use gasoline only for its intended purpose, as a motor
fuel. Handle gasoline outdoors only.

Always have working smoke alarms installed on every level
of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh
batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help  and remember to
practice your home escape plan.

For additional information on fire safety, visit the Columbia Fire
Department Web Site at: http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Fire/


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