Summer Fire Hazards For Wellington Residents

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

In South Florida's Summer, many of us want to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether golfing or grilling this summer, we want Wellington to prevent fire damage from occurring in their home. Below are a few tips to practice fire safety this summer.

Golf Cart Safety

Golf cart charging batteries pose a huge fire risk for golf clubs, homeowners, and golfing communities. This is due to the hydrogen that emits from the batteries, particularly in older golf cart batteries. Hydrogen is a light gas that can set off an explosion when it meets an open flame or static electricity. This is less common when golf carts are charged outside. However, more and more homeowners are charging their golf carts in an unventilated space such as a home’s garage. To prevent golf carts fires here are some tips:

• Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is operational – it can also detect hydrogen leaks.
• Open the garage door if you determine your detector has been triggered.
• Periodically fill golf cart batteries with distilled water to prevent hydrogen leaks.

Grills

It wouldn’t be summer without at least one cookout. While backyard barbecues are a great way to gather loved ones, they require fire prevention. Never use a grill under an awning or up next to a building structure. Here are some fire preventions grilling tips:

*Only use a grill outdoors.

* Maintain at least ten feet away from your home.

* A safe zone around the grill is three feet. Keep pets and children outside of that zone.

* Open the gas grill before lighting.

*Don’t walk away from the grill zone when they are lit.

* Clean grill after each use. Be sure to place coals from grill in a metal can with a lid once they cool.

Bonfires and Fire Pits

A bonfire or fire pit is just the thing to enjoy outdoor activities like making smores. Have multiple people watching the fire. Unlike fire pits, bonfires do not have a small containment. This makes preparation for a bonfire setting the more important. Backyard bonfires can also lead to forest fires.

• Clear fire hazards and brush from the area. Trim trees, avoid placing near wooden fences or decks.
• Use a metal screen to prevent sparks from blowing into nearby areas.
• Always determine if there is a burn ban in effect by checking the local guidance.
• If camping, keeping the campfire 25 feet away from tents.

Tiki Torches and Citronella Candles

Within our tropical climate, we are no stranger to mosquitoes and bug bites. While citronella candles and tiki torches are appealing to repel bugs, they are also serious fire hazards. If you choose to use these products this summer follow this guidance.

• Place candle on non-flammable area such as concrete
• Double check that the flame is extinguished when finished.
• Never refill torches if they are still hot.
• Have an extinguisher near at all times.

Have a fire evacuation plan

It is important for even the safest of residents, to always have a fire evacuation plan. If your home suffers fire damage, smoke damage or soot damage be sure to call a certified specialist from SERVPRO of West Palm Beach.