Fire safety – it’s no accident

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Alexander Jones
  • 4th Civil Engineer Squadron
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  As summer approaches, we need to keep fire safety on our minds, since complacency is a real threat. It is possible to enjoy the hot and sizzling summer without starting fires or getting burned.

The staff at the Seymour Johnson Fire Emergency Services Flight offer the following tips to reduce the risk of household fires and fire related injuries:

· Protect yourself while cooking by wearing an apron and an oven mitt that covers your forearm.
· If you get burned, run cool water over the injured area for 10 to 15 minutes. If the burn is serious promptly seek medical attention.
· Stove top cooking is the "number one cause of household fire" on U.S. military installations. The leading reason for these fires is unattended cooking often caused by distractions like children and telephone use.
· Do not allow children within three feet of cooking areas.
· Never cook or barbecue while medicated or intoxicated.
· Keep grills at least 10 feet from flammable items.
· Do not grill under carports and housing overhangs or in a garage.
· Only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills with charcoal, never use gasoline. Only use the minimal amount of lighter fluid to start the fire. Do not add more starter fluid to re-ignite or build-up a fire.
· Before discarding coals, soak them in water.
· Do not place a grill near a building until it is completely cool.
· Always store gas cylinders outside away from structures and turn off the valve when not in use. If you did not turn off the gas cylinder valve and have a gas leak, an air conditioning unit could pick it up and distribute gas throughout the house. Do not store your gas cylinder or grill in a storage shed or mechanical closet.

By following these quick and simple steps, you can help keep your summer activities fun and safe.

To report a fire on base evacuate the area and call the fire department at 722-0911 or off base call 911. For more information about fire safety, contact the Fire and Emergency Services Flight at 722-4103 or 722-3838.