Smokey the Bear says by following these quick and simple steps, we can all keep our activities fun and fire-safe this summer.
Fireworks - The Fourth of July can be a fun family event—an exciting time to celebrate and enjoy the summer with family and friends. And fireworks are usually a part of the celebration. Every year however, approximately 12,000 children and adults suffer injuries from fireworks.
To help you celebrate the Fourth of July safely, the National Council on Fireworks Safety offers the following safety tips:
  • Read and follow all label instructions and warnings.
  • Always have an adult present.
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Buy from reliable sellers.
  • Use fireworks outdoors only and light them on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
  • Always have water handy; a garden hose and a bucket is best.
  • Never take fireworks apart, mix their contents with anything else, or attempt to make your own fireworks.
  • Light only one firework at a time.
  • Never re-light a "dud" firework. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
  • Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and then putting them in your trash can.
  • Never throw or point fireworks at other people. Be sure that people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
  • Always wear eye protection when lighting fireworks and never have any part of your body over the fireworks.
  • Do not use illegal explosives.

Even sparklers, often considered safe, burn as hot as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Attending an outdoor public display put on by professionals is the safest way to enjoy fireworks.

Grilling - Keep grills far away from anything that can burn -- your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc. Supervise the grill when lighted, and keep children and pets well away from the area. If lightning appears, stop grilling, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass. When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits high up over your forearm. If you get burned, run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Never put butter or a salve on burns because these seal in heat and can damage the tissue further. If you receive a serious burn (with charred skin, for example) seek medical attention promptly. Barbecue grills must never be used inside the home. In addition to the fire hazard indoor grilling presents, it can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning. New Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations now requirement cautionary measures, hazards and consequences of indoor grilling on revised labels of all charcoal packaging sold in the U.S.

For charcoal grills, only use starter fluids designed for grills - NEVER USE GASOLINE. Use a limited amount of starter fluid before lighting the fire. If the fire is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal if necessary, but NEVER ADD LIQUID FUEL to re-ignite or build up a fire, as flash fires can result. Soak the coals with water before you discard them.

 For gas grills, always store the gas cylinder outside - away from structures - and turn off the valves when not in use. Check frequently for any leaks in connections by using a soap-and-water mix that will show bubbles where gas escapes. When purchasing a gas grill, select one that has been tested and bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Use the grill according to the manufacturer's instructions and if needed, have it repaired by a trained professional.

Landscaping/Gardening - Trim tree limbs so they don't hang over your roof, and keep eaves and gutters free of leaves and other debris that burns easily. Clear weeds, brush and other flammable vegetation at least 30 feet away from your home, and store firewood away from all structures.
Lawnmowers and Other Equipment- Store gasoline outside the home, preferably a locked, detached shed, and store just enough to power your gasoline-fueled equipment. Keep gasoline up high, inside a clearly marked can that's labeled and approved for gasoline storage. Make sure gasoline and all flammable liquids are well away from any heat source or flame.

Use gasoline as a motor fuel only -- never as a stain remover or for other purposes. To transport gasoline in an automobile from the filling station, place a sealed, approved container in the trunk with the trunk lid propped open and drive directly to the fueling site. Never store gasoline in a vehicle.

 Don't smoke when using gasoline or gasoline-powered equipment. When fueling, take the equipment outside and move it away from combustibles. Wipe up any spills immediately and move the equipment at least 10 feet away from the fueling area to start the engine. Before re-fueling, turn off the equipment and let it cool completely.
Enjoying Your Pool - Liquid and solid chlorine-based oxidizers are commonly sold for home pool care as hydrogen chloride products. These chemicals can spontaneously combust if contaminated by organic materials (such as body fluids, acid rain, etc.) or hydrocarbon liquids such as fuel or motor oil. This type of fire will result in toxic fumes that can be extremely dangerous, and require resident evacuation. Store and use pool chemicals according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and always store them outside the home, away from any heat source or flame. Keep the containers in a dry place, well away from other items. If the container is punctured or otherwise damaged, properly dispose of the chemicals and replace.

For more information on proper storage of other hazardous chemicals or flammable and combustible products, contact your local pool supplier.
Boating- Before fueling your boat, make sure to extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans and heating devices. Be sure the fueling nozzle is grounded to the fuel intake and don't fill to capacity -- leave room for expansion. Wipe up fuel spills immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. After fueling and before starting the motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes.
Camping- Pitch your flame retardant tent well away from your campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space, as opposed to liquid-fueled heaters or lanterns. In addition to the fire hazard posed by liquid-fueled devices, carbon monoxide poisoning can easily result in non vented spaces.

 Build your campfire downwind, away from your tent, clearing away all dry vegetation and digging a pit surrounded by rocks. Look for signs that warn of potential fire hazards in national forests and campgrounds, and always obey park service regulations. Pour water over or cover the fire with dirt before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. Store liquid fire starter -- NEVER use gasoline -- away from your tent and campfire and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfire - not liquid fuel.