Fire Marshal Zelenak

WINDCREST FIRE TIPS ON: How to Create a Safer Home Pool or Hot Tub

Secure Your Pool When Not in Use

• Surround your pool with four-sided isolation fencing with a selfclosing and self-latching gate that is out of the reach of a child.

• A four-sided isolation fence (separating the pool area from the house and yard) reduces a child’s risk of drowning by 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing.

• For above-ground pools, secure/lock or remove steps, ladders, and anything that can be used to access (such as outdoor furniture and toys) the pool whenever it is not being actively supervised by an adult.

• Install a secondary barrier, such as:

» Door alarms and locks that are out of the reach of children on all doors and windows with direct access to the pool or spa area.

» Lockable covers

Establish and Enforce Rules and Safe Behaviors

• Do not enter head first unless you are in a pool that has a safe diving area.

• Stay away from drains and other openings that cause suction.

• Swim with a buddy.

• Only swim when supervised by a water watcher.

• Swim sober.

• Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or using a cell phone.

Take These Water Safety Steps

• Employ layers of protection, including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.

• Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they achieve skills of basic water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.

• Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to safely help someone struggling in the water, calling for emergency help and performing CPR.

For more information on City Code for a swimming pool

This month I want to talk about Grilling Safety. There is nothing like outdoor grilling. It is one of the most popular ways to cook food. However, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can also be extremely hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

• All grills should be placed far away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from all areas of the grill, including the trays below the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

Charcoal Grills

• If you use a starter fluid, only use charcoal. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Propane Grills

• Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.

• If you smell gas while grilling, quickly move away from the grill and call the Fire Department. DO NOT MOVE THE GRILL!

• If the flame goes out while grilling, turn off the grill and propane and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.

Use these tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable grilling experience this summer.