Summer safety tips offered by the Chattanooga Fire Department

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It already feels like Summer out there. The changing seasons mean new challenges for fire fighters. The Chattanooga Fire department has responded to 4 separate emergencies since last Friday. Three were house fires. The fourth: two hikers who had be be rescued.

Here are tips on how to keep you safe from Lindsey Rogers with the Chattanooga Fire Department:

• The burn is currently in effect for outdoor burning from May 1st through September 30th.
• Burn permits are required from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau.
• Improperly discarded smoking materials is a major concern according to Chattanooga Fire. Do not toss smoking materials (cigarettes, cigars etc.) in mulch or dry grass.
• Keep in mind to have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers handy!
• If a severe fire does break in your home, get out and stay out. Do not try to salvage your belongings.

Yard work tip:

• Let your lawnmower cool down before refueling it.

Grilling tips:

• keep your grill at least three feet from any structure or combustible materials.
• Only use your grill outside. It sounds silly but don’t bring into the garage and keep it away from awnings, roof edges, sidings, deck railings, and tree branches.
• With gas grills, make sure that the fuel line is connected properly.
• If you’re using a charcoal grill, the charcoal needs to be wet down and soaked in water before disposing it. (The same goes for Amber’s from camp fires)

Outdoor tips:

• Keep your phone battery charged.
• Keep extra water and snacks in your possession.
• Communicate with friends or family where you are going, what you will be doing, and when you will expect to be back.