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Les Davis
Community Fire
Safety Liaison Officer
talks about
Fire safety in the
Outdoors |
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| When you want to relax, the last thing
you're probably thinking of is safety. Especially when you're outdoors, or away
from home. But that's when accidents can easily happen, in particular if you're
in unfamiliar surroundings. |
| Fire safety doesn't stop when you leave
your home. Carelessness outdoors can have fatal results, and fires can also
destroy huge areas of countryside and delicate ecosystems. |
| Leisure activities such as barbecues,
camping and caravanning should be relaxing and enjoyable experiences. But it is
important to stay alert to the fire hazards that they pose. |
| These activities are most popular during
the warmer months - when dry ground adds to the dangers - but care should be
taken at all times of the year. |
| This section covers what to watch out for
when outdoors, and what steps you can take if there's a fire. |
| Be careful |
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When children are around |
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When lighting a barbecue |
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When disposing of used barbecue
coals |
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When people are drinking |
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With gas bottles |
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With candles and cigarettes |
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The Basics
Having a
barbecue should be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. But cooking
over hot coals can be hazardous. It's easy to be distracted when you have
family and friends around you whilst cooking. To avoid injuries or damage to
property, follow these simple tips: |
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Make sure that your barbecue is in good working
order. |
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Keep a bucket of water, a bucket of sand or a
garden hose nearby in case of emergencies. |
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Make sure your barbecue site is flat and well
away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs. |
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Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of
the barbecue to a depth of about 50mm (two inches). |
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Keep children, garden games and pets well away
from the cooking area. |
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Never leave the barbecue unattended. |
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When you've finished cooking, make sure the
barbecue is cool before trying to move it. Empty ashes onto bare garden
soil. |
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Never put ashes straight into a dustbin or
wheelie bin. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire. |
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Remember - Barbecues should never be lit
indoors! |
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| Gas Barbecues |
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· Bottled gas barbecues need special
care when being turned on and off. |
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· Make sure the tap is turned off before
changing the gas cylinder. |
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· Change gas cylinders in the open air
if possible, or open doors and windows to provide good ventilation. |
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· When you've finished cooking, turn off
the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls, to ensure any gas in the
pipeline is used up. |
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· Don't overload sockets. |
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| If you suspect a leak to the gas
cylinder or pipe work: |
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· Brush soapy water around all joints
and watch for bubbles. |
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· If you find a leaky joint, try to
tighten it. But do not over tighten. |
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| Storing Gas Cylinders |
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Do not keep more spare gas cylinders than you
need |
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Store gas cylinders outside. |
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Keep gas cylinders away from frost and direct
sunlight. |
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Never store gas cylinders under the stairs of
your home - if you are upstairs this is your means of escape from a fire. |
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| Enjoy yourself, but remember - too
much alcohol and fire never mix! |
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