The Anne Arundel County Fire Department Encourages You to Make Safety a Part of your Weekend

MILLERSVILLE, MD – The first three-day holiday weekend of the summer is upon us. We all have various activities scheduled for the weekend, including cookouts, picnics, boating, swimming, and work around the house. No matter what you have planned, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department encourages you to make safety a part of your weekend.

The following tips are offered to make your weekend an enjoyable and not a weekend of tragedy:

Fire Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 2014, 16,600 patients went to the emergency department for injuries related to gas grills. A failure to clean the grill was the leading factor contributing to the fire in nearly one–fifth of all grill structure fires (19%). In 17%, something that could catch fire was too close to the grill.

• Use propane and charcoal grills outdoors only.

• Place the grill well away from your home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Put safety rules for kids in place. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.

• Clean your grill often, removing any grease or fat buildup from the grates and in the trays below.

• Stay next to your grill at all times while cooking; never leave the area unattended. 

Water Safety

The Maryland Natural Resources Police offer the following advice:

• Make sure everyone on board has a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children under the age of 13 are required to wear a life jacket aboard a boat less than 21 feet long.

• Never boat while impaired. The sun, wind and water can take their toll on boaters. Alcohol and drug use magnifies fatigue and impairs judgment.

• Check weather and tides before heading out. Storms come up suddenly. Don’t think you can outrun a fast-moving squall. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder or flash of lightning before resuming activities.

• Supervise small children and other individuals who cannot swim.

• Carry a cell phone in a waterproof pouch or have a marine radio and monitor VHF Channel 16. Let someone on land know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Sun Safety

If spending the day outdoors, follow these tips to prevent sun damage to your skin:

• Limit exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest 

• Wear a wide brimmed hat

• Seek shade whenever possible

• Wear protective clothing

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection

Food Safety

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling food and after handling raw poultry or meat. To guard against cross-contamination of bacteria, keep uncooked meats away from other foods.

• Cook foods thoroughly, especially ground beef, poultry, and pork.

• Refrigerate all perishable food within two hours.

Travel Safety

• Don’t drink and drive or travel with anyone who has been drinking.

• Wear your seatbelt at all times.

• Make sure your vehicle has been serviced before a long road trip.

• Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and know where the nearest emergency room is in the case of an emergency.

Enjoy the holiday weekend with friends and family! And, remember to pay your respects to those who have given so much so that we can enjoy the liberties we have today.