UPDC Neighborhood Safety Report: Fire Safety for the 4th
Annie Johnson
The most recent Crime Notification Report (June 21-27, 2012) for the Union Park District Council is attached.
UPDC
Residents: Happy 4th of July! Here are a few grill and fire safety reminders for this week and throughout the year:
GRILL SAFETY
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
Charcoal Grills
• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
Propane Grills
• Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
• If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame:
1. Turn off the propane tank and grill.
2. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
3. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.
• Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
• Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.
OPEN BURNING
• Open burning for disposal of combustible materials requires a burning permit. Contact the Department of Safety and Inspections at 651-266-8989 for an Open Burning Permit.
• Recreational fires, like campfires, do not require a permit but there are some state fire code requirements that need to be followed.
• Only natural wood can be burned. Do not burn trash, leaves, or construction debris.
• The pile size should be no more that 3 feet wide and 2 feet hight.
• The fire should be at least 25 from buildings or other combustibles, or 15 feet if the fire is in an approved container such that the fire will not spread. Store-bought outdoor fireplaces are approved.
• Wind speeds should not exceed 10 mph.
• Always be in attendance of your fire and have the means available to put it out if needed.
• If the smoke becomes a nuisance to others, put the fire out. If you are bothered by the smoke of someone else’s fire, please call the fire department on 9-1-1. A fire crew will drive over and put it out if necessary.
• For more information about safe burning, go to the Saint Paul Fire Department website at http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?nid=197, and go to our FAQS or Frequently Asked Questions.
REMEMBER TO NEVER PUT WATER ON A GREASE FIRE!
The Union Park District Council's Neighborhood Issues Committee (NIC) meets once per month to discuss issues related to Crime and Safety, Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Issues, and Neighborhood Communication and Outreach. All NIC meetings are open to the public and the committee welcomes community participation. The next NIC meeting will be on Monday, July 9th from 6:30-8pm. For more information, please contact the Union Park office at (651)645-6887 or by email at in...@unionparkdc.org
Union Park District Council
1570 Concordia Ave, Suite LL100
St. Paul, MN 55104