110833841
To the Editor:
Many Fourth of July celebrations include a tasty barbecue and an exciting fireworks display. While these events are great fun, it’s important to practice safety around the grill and fireworks.
The following are safety tips from the Philadelphia Fire Department:
Propane and charcoal grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide. When in use, grills should be at least 15 feet from any structure and at least 3 feet from any combustible materials.
When purchasing a grill, select one that bears the approval mark of an independent testing laboratory. Make a thorough inspection of the grill before each use. For propane grills, pay particular attention to connections and hoses. Look for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks.
Replace any damaged or corroded propane tanks. Never store spare propane cylinders under or near a grill or inside the home. Always store propane cylinders upright. Do not transport propane cylinders in the trunk of a passenger vehicle.
Children should never be allowed to start outdoor cooking equipment. Allow lighter fluid to penetrate charcoals for five to 10 minutes before lighting, as this creates a smaller, controlled flame.
Once you have started a fire, never add starter fluid. Fire may follow the stream of fluid back to the container, causing an explosion and scattering flaming liquid. Never use gasoline to start your fire. Keep a small spray can of water handy to douse flaming grease. Do not wear loose fitting clothing while cooking.
Always turn off valves when not in use. Use caution in disposing of the ashes. Ashes may contain live coals that can start a fire. The safest method is to wet ashes thoroughly with water before emptying the grill.
Fireworks safety tips:
The only legal fireworks for sale or use in Philadelphia are sparklers. Even though sparklers are legal, they can produce hot sparks and the temperature of a sparkler can reach 1,800 degrees.
Children using sparklers must be supervised by adults. Children should be taught at an early age that all fireworks are dangerous. Children should be instructed never to pick up fireworks they find and to call an adult if they find fireworks.
The Philadelphia Fire Department suggests leaving fireworks in the hands of the professionals.
Philadelphia Fire Department
Office of Emergency Management
Send a letter to the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification purposes.
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