BBQ Safety Facts

1. BBQ Safety Facts • Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires. • Gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 700 home structure fires and 3,600 home outdoor fires in 2006. • Charcoal grills have a higher risk than gas grills of death due to fire or unvented carbon monoxide; most of these deaths do not involve fire. • Charcoal-fueled or other solid-fueled grills caused an estimated 500 home structure fires and 280 home outdoor fires in 2006. Rail & Transit Systems

2. BBQ Safety Facts • Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home fires. • Half of all gas grill and charcoal grill home fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch. • Gas fuel is the leading item first ignited for home outdoor gas grill fires. • Wall coverings, exterior trim, and plants are the leading items first ignited in home outdoor charcoal grill fires. Rail & Transit Systems

3. Before Barbequing • Check your grill thoroughly for leaks, cracking or brittleness before using it. • Clean out the tubes that lead into the burner. • Make sure the grill is at least 3 feet away from your house, garage, or trees. • Store and use your grill on a large flat surface that cannot burn (i.e.- concrete or asphalt). • Don't use grills in a garage, porch, deck or on top of anything that can catch on fire. • Keep children away from fires and grills. • Have a fire extinguisher or garden hose ready for use. Rail & Transit Systems

4. During Barbequing • Don't wear loose clothing that might catch fire. • Use long handled barbecue tools and/or flame resistant mitts. • Never use any flammable liquid other than a barbecue starter fluid to start or freshen a fire. • Never pour or squirt starter fluid onto an open flame. The flame can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands. • Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill, they are flammable! • Never leave the grill unattended. Rail & Transit Systems

5. After Barbequing • Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning and storing instructions that accompany the grill. • Keep your grill clean and free of grease buildup that may lead to a fire. • Never store liquid or pressurized fuels inside your home and/or near any possible sources of flame. Rail & Transit Systems

6. In Case of a Barbeque Fire • For PROPANE Grills - turn off the burners. For CHARCOAL Grills - close the grill lid. Disconnect the power to ELECTRIC Grills. • For PROPANE Grills - if you can safely reach the tank valve, shut it off. • If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department (911). If there is any type of fire that either threatens your personal safety or endangers property, ALWAYS DIAL 911. • NEVER attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water. It will only cause the flames to flare up. Use an approved portable fire extinguisher. Rail & Transit Systems

7. Pool Safety • Each year an average of 350 children under 5 years of age drown in swimming pools. • The CPSC estimates another 2,600 children under 5 years old are treated in hospitals following submersion incidents. • Nationally, drowning is the leading cause of death to children under 5. Rail & Transit Systems

8. Pool Safety • Fences and walls should be installed at least 4 ft. high and completely around pool. • Gates are around pools for a reason — to keep kids away from the water when there isn't a lifeguard or adult around to watch them. Make sure pool gates are closed. • Steps and ladders should be secured and locked or removed when the pool is not in use. • Always have an adult present when children are in the pool — even in your own backyard. Rail & Transit Systems

9. Pool Safety • Keep rescue equipment by the pool in case of emergencies. • If a child is missing, check the pool first, seconds count in preventing death or disability. • Pool alarms should be used as an added precaution, especially for in-ground pools. • Diving should never be allowed in aboveground pools, they are too shallow. • Drinking and swimming don’t mix! Don’t allow anyone in the pool who has been drinking or who appears to be intoxicated. Rail & Transit Systems

10. Beach Safety • When you first get to the beach, check with the lifeguard to find out how strong the waves are. Some places fly flags or write notes on a chalkboard to give swimmers an idea of what conditions are like. • In some places swimmers may encounter strong undertows or ocean currents. Rip currents (also called riptides) are so strong that they can carry swimmers away from shore before they know what's happening. • If you are caught in a current, swim parallel to the shore (alongside the shore) rather than to the shore until the water stops pulling you, then swim back to shore. • If you can't get back to the beach, tread water and wave for a lifeguard's help. Rail & Transit Systems

11. Beach Safety • Never swim alone! • Always swim where a lifeguard can see you and in areas that are marked for swimmers to use. • Never pretend to be drowning. The lifeguard may take you seriously. • Don't swim out too far. • Don't swim close to piers — those big, wooden structures that jut out into the water. If the water moves suddenly, you could hit a piling or a rock. • Face the waves, instead of turning your back on them, that way you'll know what's coming. Rail & Transit Systems

12. Preventing Heat-Related Illness • Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella. • Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. • Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat. • Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician. • Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. • Stay indoors when possible. • Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place. Remember, have fun, but stay cool! Rail & Transit Systems

13. Defensive Driving • More than 41,000 people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes each year and over two million more suffer disabling injuries, according to the National Safety Council. • Driving defensively means not only taking responsibility for yourself and your actions but also keeping an eye on "the other guy." • The National Safety Council suggests the following guidelines to help reduce your risks on the road: • Don't start the engine without securing each passenger in the car. • Remember that driving too fast or too slow can increase the likelihood of collisions. • Don't kid yourself. If you plan to drink, designate a driver who won't drink. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes. Rail & Transit Systems

14. Defensive Driving • Be alert! If you notice that a car is straddling the center line, weaving, making wide turns, stopping abruptly or responding slowly to traffic signals, the driver may be impaired. • Avoid an impaired driver by turning right at the nearest corner or exiting at the nearest exit. If it appears that an oncoming car is crossing into your lane, pull over to the roadside, sound the horn and flash your lights. • Follow the rules of the road. Don't contest the "right of way" or try to race another car during a merge. Be respectful of other motorists. • Don't follow too closely. Always use a "three-second following distance" or a "three-second plus following distance." • While driving, be cautious, aware and responsible. Rail & Transit Systems