It is possible to enjoy a sizzling-hot summer without getting burned!

When the time comes to haul out the boat, barbecue, camping equipment, and lawn mower, give some thought to this advice. It could keep you a lot safer this summer:

Grilling

Keep barbecue grills far away from anything that can burn — your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc. Stay with the barbecue when lighted, and keep children and pets well away from the area. When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron. Wear tight fitting sleeves and be careful if you have long hair.

Purchase and keep a fire blanket handy. These glass fibre blankets can be used to smother a fire or can be used as a covering to pass through flames (approximate cost $50.00).

If you get burned, run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. (Tip: Don’t use 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 because, in addition to the fire hazard of indoor grilling, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

For charcoal barbecues, only use starter fluids (never use petrol) designed for barbecue grills. 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. Don’t 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 and leave the grill away from the house until completely cool.

For gas barbecues, 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 if gas escapes. When purchasing a gas barbecue, select one that bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow 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, bushes and other flammable vegetation at least 10 metres away from your home, and store firewood away from all structures. Check with local authorities before burning rubbish or debris outside (Fire bans operate in some areas during summer months – check with your local council).

If you do decide to burn rubbish, closely supervise the fire, keep a garden hose running nearby, and keep children and pets far away from the area.

Boating

Before fuelling your boat, make sure to extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans and heating devices. Be sure the fuelling 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 odours. After fuelling and before starting the motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes.

On board your cabin boat, consider installing a smoke alarm and test the battery before using the boat each time, replacing the battery with a fresh one at least once a year. Only use portable stoves and heaters specifically designed for marine use.

For information on marine fire extinguishers and other information on boating safety, contact the New Zealand Fire Service (Fire Safety Division) office near you.

Camping

Pitch your tent (flame retardant is best) well away from your campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space, as opposed to liquid-fuelled heaters or lanterns. In addition to the fire hazard posed by liquid-fuelled devices, carbon monoxide poisoning can easily result in unvented spaces. Tie or tape a smoke alarm to a tent pole, for life safety.

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 and cover the fire with dirt before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. Store liquid fire starter – (NEVER use petrol) – away from your tent and campfire and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfire – not liquid fuel.

By following these quick and simple steps, we can all keep summer activities fun and fire-safe.