2012-05-24 MarylandStateFireMarshalOffersOutdoorSafetyTips

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: Francis Jack Russell, President Lawrence D. Jarboe, Commissioner Cynthia L. Jones, Commissioner Todd B. Morgan, Commissioner Daniel L. Morris, Commissioner

ST. MARY’S COUNTY GOVERNMENT PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE Tony Jones, Public Information Officer

NEWS RELEASE For immediate release: May 24, 2012

Release: 2012 - 132

For more information contact: Tony Jones 301-475-4200 ext. 1342 or pio@stmarysmd.com

Maryland State Fire Marshal Offers Outdoor Safety Tips Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off Outdoor Events As the Memorial Day weekend is about to begin, families across Maryland will venture outdoors – either to the beach or the mountains – or maybe just to their backyard. Increased outdoor activities will result in an increase of outdoor fire risks.

State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard is providing a few common-sense tips that will help Marylanders enjoy a safe holiday weekend and summer season. “These tips will help reduce the chance of a tragedy that could ruin an otherwise fun-filled time of the year,” says State Fire Marshal Barnard.

Outdoor Cooking Safety Tips for Gas Grills:  Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders should always be transported in the upright position on the floor of the vehicle with all windows open. Never transport cylinders in the trunk of a car. Remove the cylinder from the vehicle as soon as possible.  Ensure all connections are tight. Check all connections with soapy water. The appearance of bubbles indicates leaks. Leaking connections should be re-tightened.  Make sure grease does not drip onto the hose or gas cylinder.  Store the cylinder (including those attached to barbecues), outdoors in a shaded, cool area out of direct sunlight.  Thoroughly read and follow manufacturer’s instructions for gas grill use. Save the instructions.

Outdoor Cooking Safety Tips for Charcoal Grills:  Use only a small amount of charcoal starter fuel. A little goes a long way. Consider using charcoal that does not require starter fuel for ignition.  Once a fire has been started, never add starter fuel. Fire can easily follow the stream of fluid back to the container and possibly causing an explosion.

MORE St. Mary’s County Government will be responsive and accountable to the county’s citizens; provide high quality, cost effective and efficient services; preserve the county’s environment, heritage and rural character and foster opportunities for present and future generations

 Use caution when disposing of ashes. Ashes may contain live coals that can start a fire if not disposed of properly. The safest method is to wet the ashes thoroughly with water before emptying the barbecue.

With any outdoor cooking equipment, never use them indoors – not even in a garage or on a porch or balcony says State Fire Marshal Barnard. “Charcoal grills produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas which even in small quantities can cause injury or death. LPG cylinders that develop a leak indoors can cause an explosion with devastating results.”

With warmer weather, public fireworks displays attract thousands of spectators. These licensed and inspected events afford Marylanders a safe and pleasurable way to celebrate. Often however, persons are tempted to use legal or illegal fireworks. The following tips can help Marylanders enjoy fireworks safely:  Plan to attend one of hundreds of licensed and inspected public fireworks displays held annually across Maryland.  Remember, the only fireworks allowed for personal use in Maryland are snap n’ pops, party poppers, black snakes, gold-labeled sparklers, and ground-based sparkling devices.  If allowing children to participate, they should only use fireworks with close adult supervision. Make sure to keep sparklers away from the body and loose fitting clothing. Read and follow the instructions on the sparkler package! Sparklers burn at approximately 1,800°F.  Never mix alcohol and fireworks. The combination could be deadly.  Fully extinguish remains of fireworks in water before disposal.

All fireworks are banned in Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County.

The town of Ocean City along with Howard County and Harford County has specifically prohibited Ground-based Sparkling Devices.

Following these simple safety tips can help Marylanders avoid injury and enjoy a wonderful holiday and summer season.

For more fire safety information call 1-800-525-3124 or log onto: www.mdsp.org/firemarshal. You can also follow the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office on Facebook under “Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal”.

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P.O. BOX 653  CHESAPEAKE BUILDING  41770 BALDRIDGE STREET, LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650 PHONE 301.475.4200 X1342  FAX 301.475.8491  www.co.saint-marys.md.us