Safety Tips

Barbecue and Grill Safety

Grilling is a popular way to cook outdoors, but it also presents fire hazards if proper safety precautions are not followed. Most grill fires occur because grills are placed too close to combustible materials, are not properly maintained, or are left unattended while in use.

Grill Safety Tips

• Only use grills outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep grills at least 10 feet away from homes, decks, overhangs, fences, and other combustible materials.
• Never use a grill inside a home, garage, carport, or enclosed patio.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area.
• Clean grease and fat buildup from grills and drip trays regularly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.

Gas Grill Safety

• Before using a gas grill, inspect hoses and connections for leaks, cracks, or damage.
• If you smell gas while grilling, immediately turn off the grill and fuel supply. If the odor persists, move away from the grill and call 911.
• Always open the grill lid before lighting a gas grill.

Charcoal Grill Safety

• Use only charcoal starter fluid designed for grilling.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid or other flammable liquids to an already lit fire.
• Allow coals to cool completely before disposal. Dispose of cooled ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.

Following these simple safety practices can help prevent fires and injuries while enjoying outdoor cooking.

Home Fire Escape Planning

Fire can spread rapidly through a home, leaving occupants with as little as two minutes to escape safely after a smoke alarm sounds. The key to surviving a home fire is early warning from working smoke alarms and having a practiced escape plan.

Create a Home Escape Plan

• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in your household.
• Identify at least two ways out of every room, if possible.
• Draw a floor plan showing exits, windows, and smoke alarm locations.
• Make sure doors and windows can be opened quickly and easily.
• Choose an outdoor meeting place a safe distance from your home, such as a mailbox, neighbor's house, or streetlight.
• Ensure your house numbers are clearly visible from the street.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Install smoke alarms:

• Inside every sleeping room
• Outside each sleeping area
• On every level of your home

Interconnected smoke alarms are recommended so that when one alarm sounds, all alarms sound.

Plan for Everyone

• Assign someone to assist children, older adults, and individuals with mobility limitations during an emergency.
• Designate a backup person in case the primary helper is not home.
• If your home has security bars, ensure they have quick-release devices that can be opened from the inside.

Practice Your Plan

Practice your home fire escape plan at least twice each year.

During practice drills:

• Everyone should practice getting low and moving under smoke.
• Close doors behind you as you exit to slow the spread of fire and smoke.
• If you live in a two-story home, make sure all family members know how to escape from the second floor.

If a Fire Occurs

• When a smoke alarm sounds, get out immediately.
• Once outside, go directly to your designated meeting place.
• Call 911 from outside the home.
• Never re-enter a burning building for any reason.

Remember: Once you are out, stay out. Firefighters have the training and equipment needed to perform rescues safely.

Home Fire Sprinkler Facts

Home fire sprinkler systems provide an added layer of protection for residents by controlling or extinguishing fires in their early stages. When combined with working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan, fire sprinklers significantly improve life safety and reduce property damage.

Fire Sprinkler Benefits

• Fire sprinklers can control or extinguish a fire before the fire department arrives.
• In most residential fires, only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates.
• Home fire sprinklers help reduce fire damage and can limit the spread of smoke and heat throughout the home.
• Residential sprinkler systems use significantly less water than fire department hose lines.
• Modern residential sprinklers are available in a variety of styles and can be installed flush with walls or ceilings to blend with a home's décor.
• Home fire sprinkler systems may help reduce homeowner insurance premiums.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: All sprinklers activate at the same time.
Fact: Typically, only the sprinkler nearest the fire activates.

Myth: Sprinklers cause extensive water damage.
Fact: Fire sprinklers use much less water than fire department hose lines and can greatly reduce overall property damage.

Myth: Sprinklers activate accidentally.
Fact: Accidental activations are extremely rare. Fire sprinklers are individually activated by heat from a fire.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks can cause serious injuries and fires if not used properly. The St. Lucie County Fire District encourages residents to celebrate responsibly and always follow local laws regarding the use of fireworks.

Fireworks Safety Tips

Poison Safety

Poisonings can happen quickly and often involve everyday household products, medications, or chemicals. Young children are especially at risk because they naturally explore their environment by touching and placing objects in their mouths.

If you suspect that someone has been poisoned, call 911 immediately if the person is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, having seizures, or is not responding normally. For all other poison emergencies, contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Poison Prevention Tips

• Store all medications, cleaning products, and household chemicals locked up and out of the reach and sight of children.
• Keep products in their original containers with original labels.
• Never leave medications, cleaning products, or chemicals unattended while in use.
• Always read and follow product labels and medication instructions.
• Use only the measuring device provided with liquid medications.
• Never refer to medicine as "candy."
• Safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
• Keep purses, bags, and visitors' medications out of reach of children.
• Save the Poison Help Line number (1-800-222-1222) in your phone and post it in a visible location.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.

To help prevent CO poisoning:

• Install carbon monoxide alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.
• Have furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances inspected regularly by a qualified professional.
• Never use generators, grills, or fuel-burning equipment inside a home, garage, or enclosed space.

Lead Poisoning

Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Children living in older homes may be at risk for lead exposure.

• Talk with your healthcare provider about lead screening for young children.
• If lead-based paint is present in your home, contact a qualified professional for proper evaluation and remediation.

Taking simple precautions can help prevent poisonings and keep your family safe.

Senior Safety

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. Fortunately, many falls can be prevented by making simple changes around the home and taking extra precautions during everyday activities.

Fall Prevention Tips

• Remove loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing.
• Install grab bars near toilets and inside showers or bathtubs.
• Place non-slip strips or mats in bathtubs and showers.
• Keep hallways, stairways, bedrooms, and entryways well lit.
• Remove clutter, electrical cords, and other tripping hazards from walkways.
• Install handrails on all stairways and ensure they are secure.
• Clean up spills immediately and make sure floors are dry before walking on them.
• Use caution when entering or exiting vehicles and watch for uneven surfaces or obstacles.
• Avoid standing on chairs or furniture to reach items. If a ladder is necessary, have someone nearby to assist.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary climbing or stretching.

Additional Safety Tips

• Have your vision and hearing checked regularly.
• Review medications with your healthcare provider, as some medications may increase the risk of falls.
• Stay physically active to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility.