Summer Safety Tips (Official City of Las Vegas Text Site)

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Summer Safety Tips The extreme heat experienced in the Las Vegas valley during the summer months can increase the chances of fire in homes and businesses. Here are some examples of past fires and what people can do to prevent them. Refrigerators/Freezers Many people have refrigerators or freezers in the garage or in a storage room that is not cooled by an air conditioner. To keep the interior of the refrigerator/freezer cold, the compressor has to work extra hard. If the room or garage is very hot, it means the compressor on the refrigerator/freezer could work almost constantly. When the compressor is working, even properly, it gets extremely hot and can cause a fire. Refrigerators/freezers that are kept on wood floors, floors with carpeting or trash that accumulates behind the refrigerator/freezer have caused fires in valley homes over the years. Temperatures in garages can get over 100 degrees in some cases, while inside the home it may be 75-85 degrees, which means refrigerators/freezers inside the home work less. Extension cords cause many fires if used with appliances. Extension cords should not be used with refrigerators/freezers or air conditioning units. If they are running constantly and the extension cord is not designed to carry the required electric load, the cord will heat up quickly and cause a fire. Use caution with chemicals If chemicals are left exposed to direct sunlight in this extreme heat they can cause a fire. Paints, fuels and the like can cause explosions in some cases. One house on the north side of city was completely destroyed because the occupant was painting (art painting) on their patio and left a small can of paint thinner exposed to the sun in extreme heat. Within minutes the thinner ignited, started the back of the house on fire and spread quickly into the attic without several occupants inside aware of the fire. By the time the fire was discovered, the house was heavily involved. Maintain air conditioners / fans All equipment regardless of what it is needs to be maintained from time to time. Check units for frayed wires and keep them clean. Fans accumulate dust and dirt around the motor, which has caused many fires. Vacuum the fan from time to time to keep the motor clean. Air conditioner units should be maintained by a qualified A/C technician at least once every two years to make sure it is working efficiently and safely. Items in Vehicles can melt or even explode in some cases. Do not leave any type of aerosol can in a vehicle, especially in direct sunlight. Other items, such as video tapes or CDs/DVDs can be damaged. Small electronic equipment such as cell phones, cameras, DVD players and IPods can be damaged because of the heat, which can reach as high as 160 degrees in a vehicle. ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS Never leave children or pets in a parked car: The temperature can rise to 135 degrees in less than 10 minutes, which can cause death to children or pets. If you see a child or pet unattended in a parked car, you should call 9-1-1 and alert authorities. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids: The replacement of fluids during the summer is essential for good health. Water is usually the best fluid. Fruit drinks are also good if used in moderation with water. Sport drinks are also good, but you should drink an equal amount of plain water with sport drinks. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages should be avoided. Make sure your skin is covered or use sun block: Excessive exposure to the sun has been linked to skin cancer. You can also suffer sunburn from exposure to the sun. Take frequent breaks in a cool place when working outside. Wear light clothing. Make sure to check on the elderly during periods of extremely high heat. Remember that pets also suffer from the heat. High heat can cause: Dehydration - This means the body is running low on liquids. The first indicator is being thirsty or having a dry mouth and your urine becomes extremely concentrated or very dark. These are indicators that your body is suffering from dehydration. You should replace fluids as quickly as possible. To prevent dehydration keep at least eight ounces (one cup) of water every hour. If you are physically active or working outside, you should double your liquid intake. Heat Exhaustion - The victim will suffer dizziness, light-headedness and sweat profusely. Have the victim rest in a cool place and drink fluids such as water. This condition should clear in a few minutes. Heat Stroke - This is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Usually the person will faint and may become unconscious. Their skin will be hot, red in color and the victim will not be sweating. You should move the victim to a cool place, wet the skin with wet-cool cloths and do not give the victim anything to drink. OUTDOOR COOKING Never leave unattended food cooking. Barbecues are not permitted in apartment complexes except on the ground level. They must be at least ten feet from the building and not under an overhang or balcony. Soak barbecue ashes in water for several hours before discarding in the trash. In case you burn yourself, put the burn under slow running tap water for several minutes. If the burn is more serious seek help at a quick care center. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids as a lighter fluid. Barbecues should never be used inside a building. Gas Grills Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane is highly flammable and each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas-grill fires and explosions. Many of these fires and explosions occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas container. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, you should routinely perform the following safety checks: Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear the blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner. Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing. Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them. Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas. Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed. Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill. Never use a grill indoors. Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill. Spare Fuel Tanks Use caution when storing LP gas containers. Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill. To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, consumers should transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape. Use extreme caution and always follow manufacturer's instructions when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers. Grills manufactured after October 1, 1995, are required to have three additional safety features to eliminate leak hazards: 1. a device to limit the flow of gas in the event of hose rupture 2. a mechanism to shut off the grill 3. a feature to prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank and the grill is not leak-proof. Consider purchasing a grill that has these safety features. Charcoal Grills Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 30 people die and 100 are injured as a result of CO fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used inside. To protect your family from CO poisoning, follow these safety tips: Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided. Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals. FIRE CODES Regarding use of grills near apartment buildings, townhomes or other similar type occupancies Las Vegas Fire & Rescue has the reflected fire code requirement for their use: 10.11.7.1 For other than one- and two-family dwellings, including town homes, sections 10.11.7.2 through 10.11.7.5 shall apply. 10.11.7.2 No hibachi, gas-fired grill, charcoal grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose, shall be used or kindled on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within 10 ft (3 m) of any structure. 10.11.7.3 Listed electric ranges, grills, or similar electrical apparatus shall be permitted. 10.11.7.4 The storage of LPG fueled barbecues and equipment, including spare LPG cylinders, is prohibited above the first story and within 10 feet of any exterior building wall, overhang, or balcony. 10.11.7.5 Storage of spare LPG cylinders shall be permitted in buildings or rooms constructed or Authorized for such use in accordance with the Building Code and/or the Fire Code. WATER SAFETY Children should never be permitted in any water without adult supervision at all times. When not using the backyard pool, make sure it is secured where children can not get to the pool unsupervised (lock doors, gates, etc.). Check the doggie door. If you have several people at your home to celebrate and you have a pool, designate someone as a pool monitor and check it numerous times to ensure no children have fallen into the pool. If on the lake, make sure everyone has and wears approved and proper personal flotation devices. Make sure all watercraft has an approved and operating fire extinguisher available. MOTOR VEHICLES Make sure everyone wears seat belts at all times while riding in a vehicle. Make sure children are secured in a proper child seat that is properly installed in the vehicle. Drive defensively and slow down. Do not drink and drive. Never leave a child in a parked vehicle at any time. HIKING If you plan to go hiking, make sure you tell someone where you are going, how long you plan to be gone and when you expect to return. Let them know you have returned when done. This way someone knows where you intended to go in case you become missing. Carry a cell phone with an extra battery and a flashlight with you. Carry a compass. Wear proper clothing and footwear. Make sure you have plenty of water with you. Be careful of possible thunderstorm activity that my cause flash flooding and lightning in the desert. Be careful of bees in the desert. MISSING CHILD If in the event a child is missing, as someone reports it to 9-1-1, check the following areas first: Any bodies of water (swimming pools, spas, Jacuzzis, bathtubs, ponds, fountains and the like). Any parked vehicles in the immediate area. While checking the vehicle, open all doors and the trunk. Make sure you call 9-1-1 immediately to get help enroute. Bodies of water and vehicles are common areas for children to go and cause the most serious life-threatening injuries in the shortest amount of time. FIREWORKS Use only Safe-N-Sane fireworks. illegal fireworks can cause extensive damage and injury. Fireworks should only be used by adults, just like matches and lighters. children should never be permitted to use/play with them. Sparklers should not be used by children. They can cause clothing to burn. They can also cause serious burns and the sparks can go into the eyes of children causing serious injury. Fireworks should be used on a flat, dry surface, away from vegetation such as grass, weeds and trees, and away from buildings and vehicles. Have a bucket of water and a garden hose ready in case of an emergency. Soak all spent fireworks and duds in a bucket of water before discarding them into the trash. Fireworks are not permitted on city streets, sidewalks, in parks, on school property or on any federal lands. TREATING BURN INJURIES A simple burn or first degree burned skin is reddened, like a sunburn. Put the burn in cool (not cold) tap water for several minutes to cool it. You can use an over-the-counter burn ointment to help make it comfortable. It should be milky in appearance – not clear. A more serious burn or second degree burned skin is a darker red and has blisters. You can cool this type of burn by using cool-wet compresses along with a burn ointment. Infection should be prevented, so any open blister should be covered with a band aid. If more serious, seek medical attention. The most serious, third degree burned skin, is black/gray surrounded by second degree burn. This is a serious burn. Cover the burn with a clean-dry cloth and call 9-1-1 immediately. DO NOT put any ointments or other material on the burn. Butter, cream, baby oil and other materials only make matters worse and cause the burn to become more serious. This is a type of injury that must be taken care of at a medical facility. Keep the person calm and do not give fluids by mouth. Help is only a few minutes away by calling 9-1-1. Unfortunately there is usually one serious burn victim each year during the Fourth of July who must be admitted to the burn center. This is a serious, extremely painful type of injury and every effort should be taken to prevent a person from being burned in the first place.


^ External Link © 2010 City of Las Vegas \| Privacy, Security, Acceptable Use Policies \| About This Web Site \| Contact Us

Las Vegas, Nevada (Official City of Las Vegas Text Site)

Home \| Visitor \| Resident \| Business
Translate/Traduzca/Traduisez... \| Graphical version

Summer Safety Tips The extreme heat experienced in the Las Vegas valley during the summer months can increase the chances of fire in homes and businesses. Here are some examples of past fires and what people can do to prevent them. Refrigerators/Freezers Many people have refrigerators or freezers in the garage or in a storage room that is not cooled by an air conditioner. To keep the interior of the refrigerator/freezer cold, the compressor has to work extra hard. If the room or garage is very hot, it means the compressor on the refrigerator/freezer could work almost constantly. When the compressor is working, even properly, it gets extremely hot and can cause a fire. Refrigerators/freezers that are kept on wood floors, floors with carpeting or trash that accumulates behind the refrigerator/freezer have caused fires in valley homes over the years. Temperatures in garages can get over 100 degrees in some cases, while inside the home it may be 75-85 degrees, which means refrigerators/freezers inside the home work less. Extension cords cause many fires if used with appliances. Extension cords should not be used with refrigerators/freezers or air conditioning units. If they are running constantly and the extension cord is not designed to carry the required electric load, the cord will heat up quickly and cause a fire. Use caution with chemicals If chemicals are left exposed to direct sunlight in this extreme heat they can cause a fire. Paints, fuels and the like can cause explosions in some cases. One house on the north side of city was completely destroyed because the occupant was painting (art painting) on their patio and left a small can of paint thinner exposed to the sun in extreme heat. Within minutes the thinner ignited, started the back of the house on fire and spread quickly into the attic without several occupants inside aware of the fire. By the time the fire was discovered, the house was heavily involved. Maintain air conditioners / fans All equipment regardless of what it is needs to be maintained from time to time. Check units for frayed wires and keep them clean. Fans accumulate dust and dirt around the motor, which has caused many fires. Vacuum the fan from time to time to keep the motor clean. Air conditioner units should be maintained by a qualified A/C technician at least once every two years to make sure it is working efficiently and safely. Items in Vehicles can melt or even explode in some cases. Do not leave any type of aerosol can in a vehicle, especially in direct sunlight. Other items, such as video tapes or CDs/DVDs can be damaged. Small electronic equipment such as cell phones, cameras, DVD players and IPods can be damaged because of the heat, which can reach as high as 160 degrees in a vehicle. ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS Never leave children or pets in a parked car: The temperature can rise to 135 degrees in less than 10 minutes, which can cause death to children or pets. If you see a child or pet unattended in a parked car, you should call 9-1-1 and alert authorities. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids: The replacement of fluids during the summer is essential for good health. Water is usually the best fluid. Fruit drinks are also good if used in moderation with water. Sport drinks are also good, but you should drink an equal amount of plain water with sport drinks. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages should be avoided. Make sure your skin is covered or use sun block: Excessive exposure to the sun has been linked to skin cancer. You can also suffer sunburn from exposure to the sun. Take frequent breaks in a cool place when working outside. Wear light clothing. Make sure to check on the elderly during periods of extremely high heat. Remember that pets also suffer from the heat. High heat can cause: Dehydration - This means the body is running low on liquids. The first indicator is being thirsty or having a dry mouth and your urine becomes extremely concentrated or very dark. These are indicators that your body is suffering from dehydration. You should replace fluids as quickly as possible. To prevent dehydration keep at least eight ounces (one cup) of water every hour. If you are physically active or working outside, you should double your liquid intake. Heat Exhaustion - The victim will suffer dizziness, light-headedness and sweat profusely. Have the victim rest in a cool place and drink fluids such as water. This condition should clear in a few minutes. Heat Stroke - This is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Usually the person will faint and may become unconscious. Their skin will be hot, red in color and the victim will not be sweating. You should move the victim to a cool place, wet the skin with wet-cool cloths and do not give the victim anything to drink. OUTDOOR COOKING Never leave unattended food cooking. Barbecues are not permitted in apartment complexes except on the ground level. They must be at least ten feet from the building and not under an overhang or balcony. Soak barbecue ashes in water for several hours before discarding in the trash. In case you burn yourself, put the burn under slow running tap water for several minutes. If the burn is more serious seek help at a quick care center. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids as a lighter fluid. Barbecues should never be used inside a building. Gas Grills Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane is highly flammable and each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas-grill fires and explosions. Many of these fires and explosions occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas container. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, you should routinely perform the following safety checks: Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear the blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner. Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing. Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them. Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas. Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed. Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill. Never use a grill indoors. Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill. Spare Fuel Tanks Use caution when storing LP gas containers. Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill. To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, consumers should transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape. Use extreme caution and always follow manufacturer's instructions when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers. Grills manufactured after October 1, 1995, are required to have three additional safety features to eliminate leak hazards: 1. a device to limit the flow of gas in the event of hose rupture 2. a mechanism to shut off the grill 3. a feature to prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank and the grill is not leak-proof. Consider purchasing a grill that has these safety features. Charcoal Grills Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 30 people die and 100 are injured as a result of CO fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used inside. To protect your family from CO poisoning, follow these safety tips: Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided. Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals. FIRE CODES Regarding use of grills near apartment buildings, townhomes or other similar type occupancies Las Vegas Fire & Rescue has the reflected fire code requirement for their use: 10.11.7.1 For other than one- and two-family dwellings, including town homes, sections 10.11.7.2 through 10.11.7.5 shall apply. 10.11.7.2 No hibachi, gas-fired grill, charcoal grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose, shall be used or kindled on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within 10 ft (3 m) of any structure. 10.11.7.3 Listed electric ranges, grills, or similar electrical apparatus shall be permitted. 10.11.7.4 The storage of LPG fueled barbecues and equipment, including spare LPG cylinders, is prohibited above the first story and within 10 feet of any exterior building wall, overhang, or balcony. 10.11.7.5 Storage of spare LPG cylinders shall be permitted in buildings or rooms constructed or Authorized for such use in accordance with the Building Code and/or the Fire Code. WATER SAFETY Children should never be permitted in any water without adult supervision at all times. When not using the backyard pool, make sure it is secured where children can not get to the pool unsupervised (lock doors, gates, etc.). Check the doggie door. If you have several people at your home to celebrate and you have a pool, designate someone as a pool monitor and check it numerous times to ensure no children have fallen into the pool. If on the lake, make sure everyone has and wears approved and proper personal flotation devices. Make sure all watercraft has an approved and operating fire extinguisher available. MOTOR VEHICLES Make sure everyone wears seat belts at all times while riding in a vehicle. Make sure children are secured in a proper child seat that is properly installed in the vehicle. Drive defensively and slow down. Do not drink and drive. Never leave a child in a parked vehicle at any time. HIKING If you plan to go hiking, make sure you tell someone where you are going, how long you plan to be gone and when you expect to return. Let them know you have returned when done. This way someone knows where you intended to go in case you become missing. Carry a cell phone with an extra battery and a flashlight with you. Carry a compass. Wear proper clothing and footwear. Make sure you have plenty of water with you. Be careful of possible thunderstorm activity that my cause flash flooding and lightning in the desert. Be careful of bees in the desert. MISSING CHILD If in the event a child is missing, as someone reports it to 9-1-1, check the following areas first: Any bodies of water (swimming pools, spas, Jacuzzis, bathtubs, ponds, fountains and the like). Any parked vehicles in the immediate area. While checking the vehicle, open all doors and the trunk. Make sure you call 9-1-1 immediately to get help enroute. Bodies of water and vehicles are common areas for children to go and cause the most serious life-threatening injuries in the shortest amount of time. FIREWORKS Use only Safe-N-Sane fireworks. illegal fireworks can cause extensive damage and injury. Fireworks should only be used by adults, just like matches and lighters. children should never be permitted to use/play with them. Sparklers should not be used by children. They can cause clothing to burn. They can also cause serious burns and the sparks can go into the eyes of children causing serious injury. Fireworks should be used on a flat, dry surface, away from vegetation such as grass, weeds and trees, and away from buildings and vehicles. Have a bucket of water and a garden hose ready in case of an emergency. Soak all spent fireworks and duds in a bucket of water before discarding them into the trash. Fireworks are not permitted on city streets, sidewalks, in parks, on school property or on any federal lands. TREATING BURN INJURIES A simple burn or first degree burned skin is reddened, like a sunburn. Put the burn in cool (not cold) tap water for several minutes to cool it. You can use an over-the-counter burn ointment to help make it comfortable. It should be milky in appearance – not clear. A more serious burn or second degree burned skin is a darker red and has blisters. You can cool this type of burn by using cool-wet compresses along with a burn ointment. Infection should be prevented, so any open blister should be covered with a band aid. If more serious, seek medical attention. The most serious, third degree burned skin, is black/gray surrounded by second degree burn. This is a serious burn. Cover the burn with a clean-dry cloth and call 9-1-1 immediately. DO NOT put any ointments or other material on the burn. Butter, cream, baby oil and other materials only make matters worse and cause the burn to become more serious. This is a type of injury that must be taken care of at a medical facility. Keep the person calm and do not give fluids by mouth. Help is only a few minutes away by calling 9-1-1. Unfortunately there is usually one serious burn victim each year during the Fourth of July who must be admitted to the burn center. This is a serious, extremely painful type of injury and every effort should be taken to prevent a person from being burned in the first place.


^ External Link © 2010 City of Las Vegas \| Privacy, Security, Acceptable Use Policies \| About This Web Site \| Contact Us