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Even You Can Prevent Fire Catastrophes

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Despite the season or temperature, many in the South enjoy time spent outdoors, especially for grilling and camping. And as summer quickly approaches, the number of people engaging in fire-related activities will increase. Unfortunately, many will initiate such hoopla unschooled in fire safety guidelines.

Grills and campfires are the two most common sources of fire-related injury and property damage. Grills are fueled by propane or liquid petroleum, while campfires usually burn with wood or coal. In both instances, the fires created can lead to expensive property damage and disfiguring injury if not carefully constructed, maintained, and extinguished.

Summer staples like spray-on sunscreen and bug spray are also highly flammable, which can compound the risk of injury by fire.

Overlooking safety precautions in the use of fire for summer activities can put your family, neighbors, and environment at risk for trauma. Thankfully, we’ve collected our SEARING tips to protect you from a possible fire catastrophe.

  • Secure clothing and hair away from heat source. Prevent the fire from spreading to your person by pulling back long sleeves and hair. In the event that a fire does catch, follow the saying, “Stop, Drop, and Roll.”
  • Enclose fires and grills away from people and property. Fires can easily jump from one location to another in a gust of the wind, so keep them a safe distance away from your family, home, car, trees, and shrubs to avoid injury or damage.
  • Allow campfires to burn out completely. You can accelerate the process by pouring water or dirt onto the fire while stirring the embers. Make sure that the fire’s location is wet and cold before leaving.
  • Remove propane tanks from your car immediately after travel. Leaving a tank inside your car could result in devastating consequences, especially if an accident occurs while the tank is in transport.
  • Indoor grilling is a big no-no. Although it may seem like an obvious mistake, many people grill indoors, forgetting the high risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Never pour water onto a grease fire. Water will only allow the fire to spread, and quickly. Baking soda, salt, and fire extinguishers are the best options for this type of fire.
  • Gasoline is not a good idea! Although it may be the fastest way to get the fire burning, gasoline fires quickly lose control and can spread to people or vegetation instantly.

Have you or a loved one sustained burn injuries due to the negligence of another in basic fire safety guidelines? Don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The knowledgeable professionals at McAleer Law can help defend your case and seek damages you are owed. Please contact us at 404.622.5337 or visit McAleerLaw.com to schedule you consultation today.