SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

GASOLINE AND LAWN MOWERS

Gasoline vapors are highly flammable. The vapors can stay on your clothing and ignite.

Store gasoline only in approved containers, outside of the house, or in a building not attached to the house.

NEVER keep gasoline inside of a house.

Keep gasoline away from all heat sources such as pilot lights, smoking materials, open flames, camp fires, grills, etc.

Never fuel a lawn mower while it is hot - allow it to cool first. Spilled gasoline can ignite if it comes in contact with a muffler or engine part.

GAS GRILLS

Keep all propane outside of the house, five (5) feet away from doors & windows and other building openings, as well as external sources of ignition.

Keep your grill as far away from the house as possible.

Propane grills are not permitted inside, or on balconies above the first floor of any building where people live.

Make sure all connections are tight and secure.

Propane is heavier than air, and can travel along the ground to reach sources of ignition.

CHARCOAL GRILLS

Use only charcoal lighter fluid to start charcoal grills.

Once the coals have been ignited, never add more lighter fluid to the fire - the flames can travel up the stream of lighter fluid and cause burns.

NEVER use charcoal in a building - charcoal produces a large amount of carbon monoxide.

GENERAL BARBECUE SAFETY

Always supervise children when any grill is in use, and for a period of time after its use, until it is cool.

NEVER use gasoline on any grill.

FIREWORKS

The possession and use of any and all fireworks by private citizens is illegal in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This includes sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, and cherry bombs.

It is also illegal to purchase fireworks in other states and transport them back to Massachusetts.

HOTEL/MOTEL FIRE SAFETY

Select accommodations equipped with fire 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 or stairway.

NEVER use elevators in the event of a fire.

Keep the room key, eyeglasses and a flashlight next to your bed. If a fire occurs, take these items with you and head for the door, then:

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

• If there is little or no smoke, crawl down the hall on your hands and knees to the nearest exitway (do NOT use the elevator), counting the number of doors you pass.

• If you cannot reach the exitway, turn around and count the number of doors back to your room. Unlock the door and re-enter your room.

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

• Fill the bathtub with cold water.

• Stuff wet towels around the door to keep the 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 enters the room.

• do not jump!