Summer fire safety tips for Arctic Warriors

  • Published
  • 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention Flight
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Dryers
For those who are in the process of completing that needed spring cleaning, don't forget to clean your clothes dryers thoroughly. 

Since the beginning of 2008, Elmendorf has had two dryer fires in family housing. Fortunately, no one was hurt in either fire. 

-- Do your part in keeping our families safe by taking a few minutes to pull dryers away from the wall and cleaning in and around them. Don't forget the flexible duct leading to the outside of your house. If you notice that the drying time for your clothes is exceeding the set cycle time on your dryer there is possibly a blockage of lint somewhere between your dryer and the outside. A blockage of lint poses a severe fire hazard. Always ensure that the lint trap is clean and in place. 

-- You must never leave your dryer operating when you are not home.

Smoke, carbon monoxide detectors
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are critical to your safety and must operate properly at all times. 

-- Test your alarms on a monthly basis and vacuum the dust from your smoke detector at least once a year. 

-- If required, ensure new batteries are installed in your alarms on an annual basis. However, this office recommends you change them when the time changes. 

Grilling
For those who pride themselves with having the best-looking yard, here are a few tips to help prevent serious injury: 

-- Always start and fuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or other indoor locations. 

-- Mowers must be allowed to cool ten minutes before fueling. 

Getting outside and barbecuing can be truly enjoyable, but it can also present a huge risk if safety precautions aren't followed. Never leave your grill unattended while it's being used. 

Here are a few tips that can be put into action that save lives in every state every year: 

Before barbecuing 
-- Ensure your grill is placed a minimum of 10 feet away from your house, garage or trees. Never place grill on combustible surface such as a wooden deck! Always have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose attached to a water supply, or at least 16 quarts of water close by in case of a fire. 

For propane grills 
-- Use soapy water to check for leaks prior to using your gas grill. 

-- Tubes that lead into the burner should be free from debris and food grease. 

-- Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing. 

For charcoal grills 
-- Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, campers or tents. 

-- Charcoal produces lethal amounts of carbon monoxide. 

-- Ensure the barbecue grill is level because embers can fall out and catch combustibles on fire. 

-- Only use approved barbeque starter fluid to start the fire 

For electric grills 
-- Never use while it's raining or use on wet grass
Always keep children away from fires and grills. It is a good idea to establish a safety zone around the grill and instruct children to remain outside the zone. 

While barbecuing 
-- Don't wear loose clothing that might catch fire. 

-- Use long handled barbecue tools and/or flame resistant mitts.
 
-- Never pour or squirt starter fluid onto an open flame. The flames can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands. 

-- Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill, they are flammable. 

After barbecuing 
-- 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. 

-- Allow coals to sit overnight or soak with water before disposal.
 
In case of a grill fire
1. For propane grills - turn off the burners. 
For charcoal grills - close the grill lid.
For electric grills - disconnect the power. 

2. For propane grills - if you can safely reach the tank valve, shut it off. 

3. If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department (911).

Camping
Most people stationed here enjoy the great outdoors and enjoy being one with nature. Prior to your camping trip here are a couple of tips: 

-- It's always a good idea to contact the local fire department to see what the current fire danger is and to see if there is a burn ban in place. 

-- It's very important to remember that camp fire size should be kept as small as possible. Being familiar with your surroundings will help prevent unwanted fire spread to areas around you. Clear all combustible debris at least three feet around your burn pit. Be aware of what is above your fire area. If there are branches above where you want your fire, they need to be removed. 

-- Extinguish your fire at least 30 minutes prior to you going to sleep or leaving to ensure there is no unexpected flare up of flames that could lead to a wildfire fire.
 
-- Always drench the fire with water, stir, and drench again to ensure the fire is out. 

If anyone has any questions regarding fire safety for the summer, all questions can be directed to the 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention Element at 552-2620.