Summary
Stay safe during grilling, boating, and camping season. Check out these essential summer fire safety tips from GTM Insurance Agency to protect your family.
Summer is a carefree time when most of us are thinking about having fun in the sun with our families—swimming, barbecuing, camping, or boating. It also is an important time to remember fire safety guidelines that will keep you and your family safe while enjoying the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.
Can my barbecue grill pose a threat?
Yes! Be sure to keep your grill far from anything that can burn, including your house, car, or dry vegetation. Stay with the grill while it is lit and take care to keep children and pets away from the grilling area. If you’re operating the grill for your cookout, be sure you are wearing a heavy apron and heat-resistant oven mitts to prevent burns.
If you’re using a gas grill, always store the fuel container outdoors and turn off the valves when the grill is not in use. Check your equipment frequently for leaks in connections by using a soap-and-water mixture that will show bubbles if and where gas is escaping.
For charcoal grills, use starter fluids sparingly, and only those designed for grilling. If the fire is too slow, rekindle it with dry kindling and add more charcoal only if necessary. Do not add liquid fuel to reignite or build up a fire.
Never leave the hot coals on your deck or porch and keep them away from your home. Soak the coals with water before you discard them and place the grill away from the house until it is completely cool.
What is the safest way to store gasoline?
Store gasoline outside the home, preferably in a locked, detached shed. Make sure it is kept in a specialized, clearly labeled container approved for gasoline storage and is labeled clearly. Keep the container away from any heat sources or flame.
Are there any fire safety issues I should know about while boating?
Boating can be a fun, relaxing, and safe activity for the entire family when you observe certain safety guidelines. Before fueling your boat, make sure to extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans, and heating devices. Don’t fill the tank to capacity—leave room for expansion. Wipe up all fuel spills immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. Ventilate the area for five minutes before starting the boat. If you have a covered boat, consider installing a smoke detector and testing it before each trip. Be sure to use only portable stoves and heaters designed specifically for marine use.
What fire safety issues should I keep in mind while camping?
Many families enjoy the tradition of a yearly camping trip. Because these events often occur in wooded areas, and many people are focused on fun without regard for safety, they can pose a real danger in terms of fire. Luckily, there is much you can do to keep your family safe during your next camping trip.
Build your campfire downwind of your site. Dig a pit surrounded by rocks and make sure to clear away all dry vegetation. Store liquid fire starter—never gasoline—away from your tent and the campfire, and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfire, not liquid fuel.
Pitch your flame-retardant tent well away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent. Not only can liquid-fueled heaters and lanterns pose a fire threat, but they also can pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, do not permit anyone to smoke inside a tent and be sure to fully extinguish your campfire.
Why Summer Fire Safety Tips Matter for Your Insurance Coverage
While practicing smart fire safety is the best way to prevent accidents, having the right insurance coverage gives you ultimate peace of mind. Whether you’re upgrading your backyard patio setup, hitching up the boat, or hitting the road with a camper, GTM Insurance Agency is here to ensure you are fully protected. Contact us today to review your homeowners, watercraft, or umbrella policies, and let’s make sure your summer is completely worry-free. Call us at at 518-373-4111 or request a complimentary consultation.
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