FASNY urges fire safety as New Yorkers make summer travel & activity plans

Submitted by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York

“The weather in New York hasn’t been our friend this year, and we understand people have been cooped up and may need to take a summer break,” said Eugene Perry, president of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. “Whether your family decides to rent a home or cabin, set up camp at a local site or make your backyard an oasis, fire and life safety are paramount.”

Renting a home away from home

“If you decide to rent a home or cabin, families need to make sure there are working smoke detectors and CO alarms throughout the house,” Perry said.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that nearly half of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with smoke alarms that fail to operate. Specifically, an average of 37% of home fire deaths result from fires where no smoke alarms were present. Furthermore, homes with working smoke alarms are half as likely to experience a fire death.

“A simple check that your vacation spot has working CO alarms and smoke detectors is an important step that can prevent a tragedy, and may save the lives of you and your family,” Perry said. 

Further, visiting families may be unfamiliar with the layout of a vacation rental property and may not know the best way to exit in an emergency. Once a smoke detector sounds, there may be less than two minutes to get out safely. Practicing an escape plan will ensure that each person is as prepared as possible. Since most fatal fires happen between midnight and 8 a.m., it is important to be prepared before the emergency occurs.

Camping

“New York state has many beautiful camping areas to enjoy – from the mountains to the beaches,” Perry said. “If families decide to camp, they should remember to keep fire safety as a priority.”

Camping is an enjoyable summer pastime. Before building any outdoor fires, time should be taken to learn how to build one safely, how to control it and how to extinguish it properly.

According to the U.S. Forest Service (USDAFS), four out of five forest fires are started by people. Campers should always check with park rangers and local officials to see if campfires are permitted, especially during the summer when vegetation is dry.

Backyard staycation & BBQ safety

A backyard barbecue is a great way to spend time with family and make a delicious meal. All families should make sure they are barbecuing safely during the summer months.

“A BBQ is a great way to cook for the family,” Perry said. “But complacency around the grill can lead to danger and injuries. You should always exercise caution and keep the grill well away from structures and where people are playing or walking.”

According to the NFPA, children under age 5 accounted for an average of 39% of the contact-type burns per year. These burns typically occurred when a child bumped into, touched or fell on the grill or hot coals. Grills should be kept in open areas and be cleaned to prevent grease fires. Grills – charcoal, wood or gas – need to be watched closely and monitored during cooking. Just like the kitchen stove, don’t leave an active grill unattended. Also keep an appropriate fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.

Backyard pizza ovens

One of the newest outdoor appliances to make it into backyards is gas and wood-fired pizza ovens, making it easier to enjoy a pizza from the comfort of your own home, without having to get takeout.

“People are at higher risks for burns when using a pizza oven by themselves. They don’t realize how hot the stone can get, making burns more common than with other cooking appliances,” Perry said. “Though pizza ovens are fun, and a nice addition to backyard spaces, people must be aware of the risks that come along with having one.”

Pizza ovens need to be cleaned often. Improperly cleaned ovens allow grease to build up and, tied together with inadequate ventilation, creates a great risk for a fire. Similarly to grills, pizza ovens need an adequate distance from combustible surfaces, and need to be watched properly while the pizza is cooking to ensure there is not a fire that starts while it is unmanned.

Pool safety

Swimming pools are perfect for cooling off in the summer sun. Even though they are fun for the whole family, it only takes a moment for a child (or adult who cannot swim) to drown.

All property owners or renters with pools on their grounds should make water safety a priority. Children should never be left unattended near water, and proper fencing should be installed to prevent an accident. When playing in or near a pool, someone should always be watching vigilantly. It only takes a moment.

“In the time it takes to reply to a text or turn off the oven, a child can fall into a pool and drown,” Perry said. “All pools should have appropriate barriers to keep children out when adults are not around. When the pool is in use, an adult should be designated to watch in case something goes wrong.”

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that drownings are the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1-4 years old. Residential locations made up 71% of the reported fatal drowning incidents.

Additional summer fire safety tips

√ Smoking: Avoid smoking in dry, grassy areas. 

√ Electrical safety: Inspect electrical cords and appliances for damage. 

√ Flammable materials: Store flammable materials like gasoline in a safe location, away from the home, and in a clearly marked container. 

√ Defensible space: Clear your property of dead leaves, debris and vegetation that could fuel a fire.

“On behalf of all of FASNY, we wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe summer,” Perry said.

Founded in 1872, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York represents the interests of the 80,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.