Summer is in full swing and to help you stay safe while you're enjoying the sun the Wareham Fire Department is providing the community with the following safety tips.

Barbecue Safely

• Use all barbecue grills away from the house in the backyard.

• Supervise children whenever any grill is in use.

• Never use gasoline on any grill!

Gas Grills

• Keep all LP-gas outside, 3 ft. away from building openings such as doors, windows, dryer vents and air intake vents.

• All LP-gas cylinders with a capacity between 4-40 lbs. must be equipped with an overfill protection device.

• It is recommended that LP-gas canisters be 10′ away from the house, if possible, especially when in use.

• LP-gas grills are not permitted inside or on balconies above the first floor of any building where people live.

• LP-gas is heavier than air and it sinks; a leaky grill could pose a hazard to people below. Possible ignition sources include smoking materials, air conditioners, compressors, pilot lights and cars.

• Make sure all connections are tight and secure.

Charcoal Grills

• Use only charcoal lighter fluid to start charcoal grills.

• Once the coals have been lit, never add more lighter fluid to the fire --  flames may travel up the stream of lighter fluid resulting in serious burns.

When Your Car Overheats

Always:

• Turn off your car and wait at least one-half hour before attempting to open the radiator.

• Use a heavy rag or cloth to open the radiator.

• Stand back as far as possible.  Keep your face out of the way in case the radiator should rupture!

• Opening hot car radiators is one of the leading causes of burns to young adults.  These burns can be prevented with patience and appropriate precautions.

• When your car overheats, or even when it’s been running for a while, pressure builds up inside the radiator.

• If you open a hot car radiator, hot steam and liquid can splash on your face and hands causing painful, disfiguring burns.

Gasoline and Lawn Mowers

• Gasoline vapors are highly flammable.  They stay on your clothing and can ignite if you  light a match or cigarette.

• Store gasoline only in approved containers, outside, or in a building not attached to the  house.  Never keep gasoline inside the home.

• Keep gasoline away from all heat sources such as smoking materials, pilot lights, campfires,  and grills.

• Never fuel a lawn mower while it is hot. Give it a few minutes to cool off first.

• Keep hands and feet away from the mower while it is running.

First Aid for Burns

• Stop, Drop and Roll to extinguish a clothing fire.

• Cool a burn.  For minor burns, run cool water immediately over the burn.

• Seek emergency medical help immediately for more serious burns (by calling 9-1-1).

• Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Hotel/Motel Safety

Select accommodations equipped with sprinklers and smoke detectors in guest rooms.

• Consider fire safety when checking into a hotel or motel.  Count the number of doors down the hall to the nearest fire exit staircase.  Never use elevators in case of fire.

• Keep the room key, eyeglasses, and a flashlight on the night table.  If a fire occurs, take them with you and go to the door.

• If the door feels cools, open the door a crack.  Be ready to close the door if hot air, flames, or smoke rush through the crack.

• If this does not occur, yet the hall is hazy with smoke, crawl down the hall counting the doors to the nearest stairway exit.

• If this exit cannot be reached, turn around and count the doors back to your room.  Unlock the door and re-enter.

If it is unsafe to leave the room during a fire:

• Fill the tub with cold water.
• Stuff wet towels around the door to keep smoke out.
• If possible, open a window and hang a sheet outside to signal for help.
• Cover your face with a wet cloth and stay low if smoke gets in the room.
• Do not jump.

Water and Boating Safety

Each summer, many residents are injured or drown in swimming or boating accidents.

By implementing some common-sense safety rules, these tragedies can be avoided.

If someone is in the water and they need help, act quickly and call 9-1-1 for help immediately.  Make sure properly trained and equipped rescue personnel are alerted to respond.

• Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD), when boating, any time of the year.  This rule applies when using any water craft – jet skis, canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, etc.

• Another potential danger is the onset of hypothermia.  This can occur at any time of the year.  Water that is cooler than normal body temperature (98.6˚ F), is by definition “cold water”. Cold water drains away body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air!

• If you fall into cold water, get into HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position).

•  Bring your knees to your chest, hold your arms to your sides and clasp your hands, and    cover your head if possible to protect your body from heat loss.

•  DO NOT try to swim unless a boat, floating object or the shore is close by. Swimming    causes “warm” blood to circulate to your arms and legs, where it cools off quickly and    reduces survival time by as much as 35-50%!

For more information about fire safety contact the Wareham Fire Department, at (508) 295-2973.