Stay Safe This Summer: Fire-Rescue Department Urges Caution as School Year Ends

Now that school is out for summer, New Bern Fire-Rescue is urging families to stay safe as they head outdoors to enjoy warm weather and engage in other special activities.

 

Despite rain in the forecast for this week, the summer season typically brings a period of hot, dry and windy conditions. The risk of wildfires and accidental fires increases significantly during this season. Don’t walk away from outdoor grills while cooking and place the grill away from your home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.  Make sure children, family, friends and pets stay a safe distance away from any outdoor cooking fixture. It only takes a single spark to ignite a serious fire or to cause injury or worse. 

 

The same goes for indoor cooking. Do not leave the stove unattended while cooking and preparing food. Two fires earlier this month in New Bern were due to cooking incidents. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in either incident.

 

“We want families to enjoy a safe summer, but with kids home from school and more people preparing meals at home, be aware that the risk of cooking fires increases,” said Chief Damien Locklear. “Practice fire safety so we can protect our properties, our community and our natural resources.”

 

Below are several tips on how to stay fire smart, indoors and out.

 

• Never leave the stove or a grill unattended while cooking. If you leave the room, turn off the stove—even for a minute. Always fully extinguish campfires or fire pits before leaving.
• Keep flammable materials away from stove burners and grills. This includes dish towels, paper products, and curtains.
• Use timers and reminders. Set a timer—distraction is one of the leading causes of cooking fires.
• Keep a lid nearby. If a small grease fire starts, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never use water on a grease fire.
• Supervise children and teens. Teach them about fire safety and keep matches and lighters out of reach.
• Install and check smoke alarms. Make sure alarms are working on every level of your home and near the kitchen.

• Dispose of cigarettes properly. Never toss them out of car windows or onto dry grass.
• Follow local burn bans and advisories. Conditions can change quickly—check with your county or municipality before burning yard debris.

 

“Fire prevention and summer safety are more critical than ever, especially with kids out of school and summer activities ramping up across the region,” said Chief Locklear. “It’s a popular time for families to enjoy warmer temperatures and the opportunity to get together to celebrate special events. Above all, have fun. But be smart and remain vigilant against summer fire danger.”

 

New Bern Fire-Rescue can help families stay safe this summer. We offer free home safety inspections, including a check of your smoke detectors. Contact us at (252)639-2931 to schedule one. For more educational information and fire safety tips, visit our website by clicking here.