Ensuring Safety for Your Outdoor Activities at Home

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, whether it’s grilling, camping, or simply relaxing by a fire pit. However, outdoor activities that involve fire come with their own set of risks. At Covington Homes, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community in Colorado. Here are some essential outdoor fire safety tips to help you keep your summer safe and enjoyable.

1. Grill Safety

• Placement: Ensure your grill is placed at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches. Avoid using the grill in enclosed spaces like garages or under covered patios to prevent fire hazards and carbon monoxide buildup.
• Supervision: Never leave your grill unattended while it’s in use. Keep children and pets at a safe distance to prevent accidents.
• Cleaning: Regularly clean your grill to remove grease buildup, which can cause flare-ups. This includes cleaning the grates, burners, and surrounding areas after each use.
• Gas Grills: Check gas lines for leaks by applying a soapy water solution and looking for bubbles. If you detect a leak, turn off the gas immediately and have it repaired before using the grill again.

2. Fire Pit and Campfire Safety

• Location: Build your fire pit or campfire in a safe location, away from flammable materials and structures. Ensure it’s situated on a non-flammable surface like gravel or dirt, rather than grass or wood decks.
• Containment: Use a fire ring or pit to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. Surround the pit with non-combustible materials such as stones or bricks.
• Supervision: Never leave a fire unattended. Always have a responsible adult present to monitor the fire and keep an eye on children and pets.
• Extinguishing: Keep a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the area by dousing it with water and stirring the ashes until they are cold to the touch.

3. Proper Disposal of Ashes

• Cooling: Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them. This can take several hours, so plan accordingly.
• Storage: Place ashes in a metal container with a lid, and store them away from any flammable materials such as wood piles, paper, or dry grass.
• Disposal: Never dispose of ashes in paper bags, cardboard boxes, or plastic containers. Use only metal containers to prevent accidental fires.

4. Maintaining a Defensible Space

• Landscaping: Trim trees and bushes, and remove dead vegetation to create a defensible space around your home. This helps prevent wildfires from spreading to your property.
• Clear Debris: Regularly clear leaves, needles, and other debris from your roof and gutters. This reduces the risk of fire starting from falling embers.
• Fire-Resistant Plants: Consider using fire-resistant plants in your landscaping to reduce fire risk. These plants are less likely to ignite and can help slow the spread of fire.

5. Safe Use of Outdoor Heaters and Lanterns

• Placement: Place heaters and lanterns on stable surfaces away from flammable materials. Ensure they are positioned where they won’t be easily knocked over.
• Supervision: Always supervise the use of heaters and lanterns, especially around children and pets. Turn off heaters when not in use.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation when using propane or gas-powered heaters and lanterns. This helps prevent the buildup of dangerous fumes.

6. General Safety Tips

• Weather Conditions: Avoid outdoor fires on windy days or during dry conditions, as these can increase the risk of the fire spreading.
• Emergency Numbers: Keep emergency numbers handy and know the location of the nearest water source or fire extinguisher. If you are located in the city limits of Colorado Springs you can check the CSFD website for current fire danger and burn restrictions. If you are located in county limits check the El Paso County Sheriff Office website.
• Education: Educate family members and guests about fire safety practices and emergency procedures. Conduct regular fire drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Summer!

By following these outdoor fire safety tips, you can enjoy a safe and fun-filled summer in Colorado. Covington Homes is committed to helping you create a secure environment for your family and friends. Remember, taking a few precautions can prevent accidents and ensure that your outdoor activities are enjoyable for everyone.

For more safety tips and information about our homes in Colorado, contact Covington Homes today or check out our home and maintenance tips. Let’s make this summer a safe and memorable one!