Outdoor Grilling Accounts for 10,000 Fires Annually in Texas. Here’s How to Stay Safe.

Spring is the season filled with relaxation. The cold air has thawed out, and the sun has begun to shine brightly, filling Texas with its warmth. As much as you’re relaxing and having fun with friends and family, don’t let your guard down. Take the necessary fire safety precautions as the spring season accounts for the most household fires. Our team of off-duty firefighters at Movestar brings you this comprehensive post on fire safety.

Potential Fire Hazards in the Spring

BBQ Grills

What better time to host a BBQ than in Spring? Outdoor cooking has been a loved Texan tradition for many years. The downside is that grilling has accounted for more than 10,000 annual fires. To ensure the safety of your home and loved ones while grilling, here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Set up the grill in an open outdoor area. No matter how small your grill is, don’t use it indoors.
• Don’t leave a grill unattended, especially if you have young children.
• Place a fire extinguisher next to you as you start grilling.
• In case of a grill fire, avoid using water to try and extinguish it. The water only makes the fire bigger.
• If you don’t have a fire extinguisher nearby, sprinkle some baking powder or soda on the pan fire to contain it.
• Lastly, keep the grill clean after use. If a fire breaks out in a greasy grill, the oil build-up will fuel it.
• Before using a grill, ensure that the smoke detectors are functioning perfectly.

Poor Storage of Power Equipment

With the growth of technology and the release of new gadgets, electrical fires have spiked, bringing roughly 51,000 fires each year. Our team of Dallas Firemen recommends the following safety precautions while handling power equipment are:

• Power down equipment such as lawnmowers and tree trimmers before storing.
• Never fuel your lawnmower while the machine is hot.
• Avoid overloading extension cords.
• If an electric fire breaks out, don’t try to use water. It’s a conductor of electricity, and you will get shocked.
• Keep fire extinguishers close to highly used sockets, especially ones with extension cords.
• Periodically inspect the wires and cables of electrical devices to ensure they’re in perfect condition.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor of the house. They’ll alert you when an electric fire occurs, even in unoccupied rooms or areas of the house.

Drought Leading to Grass and Wildfires

As the weather becomes hotter, the winds are stronger, and humidity decreases, the possibility of grass and wildfires increases. Grass fires can spread at speeds over 14 miles per hour —consuming everything in their path. As a Texan, here’s how you can prevent grass fires:

• Never burn trash next to your house.
• Avoid burning trash in windy weather, even if you’re far from home.
• Make sure that your cigarette is completely out before discarding it.
• Throw out dried leaves in your garage as the heat from your car can combust them.

If a fire breaks out on your lawn, quickly turn on your sprinklers to combat the fire. Call for help if the fire gets out of control.

On the other hand, wildfire is hard to prevent and even harder to control. Here’s a guide on what to do when a wildfire breaks out.

What To Do During a Wildfire Outbreak

• Turn off your gas immediately.
• Open up the sprinklers on your lawn and hose your roof. Your surroundings will be humid and less likely to catch fire quickly.
• Prepare an emergency evacuation kit. The kit should contain essentials for your family in case of an evacuation.
• Keep up with the news and leave immediately you’re asked to.

Stay Safe

If you’re to take away one thing from this post, let it be the importance of staying vigilant. Spring is a time for friends, family, and outdoor fun, we’d hate for it to turn tragic just because of an oversight. We’d hate for you to be a statistic. Get in touch with us for a free fire safety consultation, and we’ll be happy to help. Stay safe and Happy Spring!