Having a fire during the summer is one of the most enjoyable activities there is. Whether at home with some friends in the backyard or out on a camping trip with family, summer just doesn’t feel like summer without the glow of embers in a fire pit – s’mores are an extra bonus! But as enjoyable as a fire can be, fires are also dangerous. Here are some fire pit safety tips everyone should know for safely enjoying the rest of summer 2020–
Firepit Safety Tips
In order to make sure that everyone’s safe when a fire is made, here are some important things to consider–
- Firepit location. Make sure your fire pit is a good distance away from any flammable items, whether that be a nearby tree, your home, or something else. And it’s not just items to the side of the fire pit that you need to consider; be sure you consider what’s above the fire pit, too. When you think about location, also consider things like wind, which could quickly lead to a fire getting out of control.
- Be smart about fuel. Anyone who’s ever lit a fire in the mountains by hand using nothing but dried twigs and leaves and some matches knows that it’s pretty tough. On the contrary, using a fuel like gasoline can lead to immediate flames, but can also be dangerous and explosive. Always use seasoned hardwood kindling and logs, never gas. And never burn any chemically-treated would or artificial materials, which can be full of chemicals.
- Have a plan. When a fire is going, one of the best ways to stay safe is to have a plan for a) who will be responsible for watching the fire, b) what the course of action will be if the fire needs to be put out immediately (you should have a shovel and water close by), and c) who will be responsible for making sure the fire is fully extinguished at the end of the night. You should also be sure that everyone is on the same page about not engaging in horseplay around the fire, drinking responsibly, and never leaving the fire unattended.
What to Do in Case of Injury
Fire injuries do happen. Of course, the most common type of injury is a burn injury. If a person suffers a burn injury, the first thing that you should do is make sure that any risk of future burn is eliminated (i.e. move the piece of wood that’s on fire or extinguish the area of flame immediately). You should then immediately apply cool water to the burn. If the burn is serious, do not hesitate to get medical help.
Call a Lawyer for Help with an Injury Claim
If time around a fire pit leads to a serious injury, you may benefit by working with a qualified personal injury attorney. At The Law Offices of Alan Hildreth King & Associates, our personal injury lawyer can help. Schedule your free consultation online or at (781) 284-2900 today.