PROTECTING YOUR HOME

By Mike Lightbourn

My last column on preventing house fires generated a lot of interest. Tragically, six people perished in a home fire in Nassau around this period.

I decided to do a second column on fire safety, especially as we’re heading into the season of Halloween, fireworks and grilling.

These are all fun activities, but they carry with them the potential for home fires and, worse, injury and even loss of life.

I attended a firework display on the waterfront some years ago. The wind shifted and instead of going out to sea, a “rocket” hit an old wooden shed and the shed went up in flames.

Fortunately, the fire was put out before it could spread to the home on the property.

Fireworks are fun. But they pose a danger to people and homes if the proper precautions aren’t taken.

So have fun, but make sure you read the warning labels before igniting fireworks and have a designated adult shooter (designated in the booze area as well).

They won’t like it, but teens using fireworks should be supervised by adults.

Have a hose with good water pressure or a fire extinguisher at hand, but call the fire department and don’t try and fight a blaze yourself, as my friend did on the waterfront.

Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.

Never attempt to alter or modify fireworks and use them only in the manner intended.

DID YOU KNOW?

Decorations are the first thing to ignite in 1,000 reported home fires each year (National Fire Protection Association)?

Instead of using candles or torches to decorate walkways or in Jack O’ Lanterns, use flashlights, electric candle warmers or luminara candles.

Hosting a Halloween party? Tell children to stay well clear of fireworks and try and discourage parents from allowing their children to wear billowing or long trailing fabric.

Get a Halloween Safety Tips sheet from an online resource and send that along with an invitation to a party.

Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing can block an escape route.

Start the party off with a fun Stop Drop and Roll drill – stop at the shout of “fire,” drop to the ground, cover their face with hands , rolling over and over to put out the imaginary flames.

GRILLING AND CHILLING

Now it’s time to relax and throw some burgers and marinated conch on the grill.

Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line before using so there’s a free flow of air and gas through the tubes.

Don’t wear loose clothing while grilling.

Be careful when using lighter fluid and don’t add fluid to an already lit fire because the flames can flash back up into the container and explode. Never grill in enclosed areas as carbon monoxide could be produced.

Place your grill a safe distance away from any flammable surfaces that can catch fire.

If using coals, douse them with plenty of water when you’re finished and make sure they’re out.

Keep children away from the area.

Questions? Email me at ask@cbbahamas.com.

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(Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty)