Memorial Day weekend fire safety tips

Published May 20, 2015
By Airman Brandon May
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- With Memorial Day weekend coming up, members of Team XL should remember the proper steps to staying accident free while grilling and having cookouts.

"Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer fun for families around the country, but unfortunately, the long holiday weekend will end with death and injury for far too many," said Deborah Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council.

To help prevent holiday tragedies, here are some tips on fire safety, courtesy of David Isbell, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron/Civil Engineer Flight, chief of fire emergency services.

· To properly dispose of hot charcoal, soak it with water, stir, and then let the watered down charcoal sit for one to two days to be sure it is no longer hot.
· When preparing to use your gas grill, make sure the hoses are not dry-rotted and are still in good working order.
· Remember to keep open flames at least 10 feet from any potentially flammable structure.
· Just because the ground and grass is damp or wet from rain or dew; fires can still start and potentially spread.
· Keep flammable liquids and aerosols such as spray-on sunscreen away from open flames.

"Depending on the severity of the fire, your day could be ruined, not just your meal," said Isbell.

For any other questions concerning fire safety, call the Fire Prevention Office at 298-5036.