WHEN SUMMER HEATS UP
Nothing beats the great outdoors. When summer begins, activities pick up. Practicing fire safety will help you enjoy the outdoors...all season long.
Whether in the backyard or in open woods, follow fire safety rules. Campers should have a flame retardant tent with two exits, if possible. Never use lighted or flammable materials in, or near, the tent. Flashlights will shine safely. Be sure to build the fire down-wind, away from the tent. Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case a fire gets out of control. Include a portable smoke alarm as part of your gear. Early detection provides precious moments vital to survival.
Never leave fuel for propane or gasoline camp stoves in the trunk of your car over the weekend or longer than it takes to transport. If you must drive a full day, take time to open and ventilate the trunk periodically.
Always extinguish campfires by drowning with water and then burying. Do not bury without drowning first. Warm ashes can rekindle a fire. Do not bury HOT coals. Someone may step on them later.
Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid to start or accelerate a fire. Use charcoal lighter fluid on coals, but do so cautiously. Read directions and pour the lighter fluid on before lighting, never after the coals have lit. The heat from the coals can cause the steam to ignite and burn back into the can, causing it to explode in your hands.
Supervise children's learning and play. Curious unsupervised play can cause burns in the backyard or open woods.