Summer home safety

Keeping your family, home, and belongings safe is a priority all year long. It only takes a few seconds for an accident to happen - changing your life forever. Seasonal factors can cause significant changes in and around your home. This can result in increased risks and hazards. That's why it is important to adjust your routine to the seasonal and environmental factors. Here are some safety tips to help keep your home and family safe from harm.

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Gas/propane barbecues

  • Use soap and water for leak detection.
  • Never use matches or a lighter to check for leaks.
  • Use the ignite button or a barbecue lighter to light the burner.
  • Open the barbecue cover lid when lighting.
  • Turn off the tank valve when not in use.

Charcoal barbecues

  • Use only barbecue lighter fluid, solid charcoal lighter or an electric barbecue starter to ignite the charcoal.
  • Close the cover of the barbecue lighter fluid and make sure there is no fluid residue on your hands or clothing prior to lighting.
  • Never put additional fluid on the barbecue after lighting.
  • When finished, extinguish the coals by using lots of water and storing the coals in a metal container.

General barbecue advice

  • Place your barbecue 3ft. away from home, patio furniture and other combustibles before lighting.
  • Never leave a barbecue unattended.
  • Keep children a safe distance away from the barbecue.
     

Backyard fireplaces/fire pits

  • Fireplaces should be placed on non-combustible pads with ample space in front to contain escaping sparks
  • Fireplace should be located well away from the home and combustibles structures
  • Fire pits installed on patios and other locations should have a minimum clearance of 4 feet (1.2m) from combustibles (including wood decks, side of home, and fencing) with protection past the sides of the unit. It is always prudent to check local by-laws and fire regulations before use.
  • Have a water hose or fire extinguisher on hand
  • Never leave a fire unattended
  • Check local by-laws for specific regulations or installation requirements

Trampolines

Trampolines can be fun if used safely. Children should be supervised when using them and protective netting should be installed to avoid falls.

Swimming pools

Access to a swimming pool should be secured to prevent unauthorized/unsupervised entry. A 1.5m (5') fence, gate with a self-locking mechanism, and warning signs are recommended. Additionally, municipal by-laws should be referenced for pool safety compliance.

Camping safety

Ensure you have emergency supplies such as a first aid kit, cell phone, water and sun screen

Build fires in safe areas

If you are camping in a trailer, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector installed and in proper working order.