Summertime Safety Information from the Bay Village Fire Department

Grilling Safety

  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep an ABC multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher nearby
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Before you use your grill:
    • Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.
  • Check the gas (propane) tank hose for the potential leaks. To do that:
    • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
    • Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
    • If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
    • If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
    • If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department

Clothes Dryer Safety

  • The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them.
  • Ensure your dryer installed and serviced (when necessary) by a professional.
  • Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
  • Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
  • Use rigid or flexible metal vent piping to sustain proper airflow and drying time.
  • Make sure the exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.
  • Once a year (or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry) clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you. Summertime is a great time of year to clean out your dryer vent pipe!
  • Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and do not overload your dryer.
  • Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.

Relax and Stay Safe This Summer! Fire Chief Christopher Lyons