Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

Many Fourth of July celebrations include a tasty barbecue and an exciting fireworks display. While these events are great fun, it's important to practice safety around the grill and around fireworks. The following are safety tips from the Philadelphia Fire Department and the U.S. Fire Administration.

BBQ Grill Safety Tips:

• Propane and charcoal grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide. 
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Grills should be at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 
• BBQ grills are not allowed on apartment building balconies or decks. 
• BBQ grills are allowed on porches and decks of one and two family houses. 
• Never store spare propane cylinders under or near a grill or inside the home. 
• Do not transport propane cylinders in the trunk of a passenger vehicle. 
• Keep matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet. 
• Children should never be allowed to start outdoor cooking equipment. 
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area. 
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing while cooking. 
• Use long BBQ mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames. 
• Always turn off valves when not in use. 
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill. 
• To guard against the possibility of damage or explosion, burners, tubing and piping should be clean and free from insects, dust and debris. 
• When purchasing a grill, select one that bears the approval mark of an independent testing laboratory.

Fireworks Safety Tips:

The best way to protect your loved-ones is not to use fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to professionals. In Pennsylvania, sparklers are the only fireworks legal to purchase without a permit. However, just because they are legal does not mean they can't be dangerous. Keep the celebration safe by following these tips:

• Be careful, sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 2000 Fahrenheit. 
• Light them away from dry leaves or grass. 
• Avoid the use of sparklers in crowded areas. 
• Only allow children to handle sparklers under adult supervision. 
• Pour water on all used fireworks before disposal. 
• Treat any that did not ignite as if they are still lit and extinguish with water. 
• Instead of firecrackers, use a cap gun to make some noise. 
• Leave pieces of fireworks on the ground after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode. 
• Stand several feet away from professionals lighting fireworks; fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.

Grilling Safely with the Philadelphia Fire Commissioner

On Thursday, June 30, 2011, at 1:00 P.M. Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers will team with Chef Jack McDavid of Jack’s Firehouse Restaurant, located 2130 Fairmount Avenue, to demonstrate barbecue grilling safety tips.

The Philadelphia Fire Department wants to ensure that people practice safe barbecuing during the summer.  Jack's Firehouse Restaurant, located in an historic firehouse dating back to 1902, is famous for their fine barbecue cuisine, and provides an excellent location to demonstrate the finer points of safety around the grill.

"Educating people to act safely when using portable outdoor cooking equipment," Commissioner Ayers stated, "is the best way to prevent barbecue fires from occurring."

In anticipation of the large number of people expected to barbecue this summer, Commissioner Ayers will use a graphic presentation to illustrate the affects of unsafe grilling practices. During this presentation he will provide safety tips for users of charcoal and propane grills.

Fire Commissioner Ayers will also display a propane tank with an “Overfill Prevention Device”, designed to prevent gas leaks. All propane tanks in use must contain an Overfill Prevention Device (OPD). These new tank valves can help prevent fires and explosions attributed to overfilled portable cooking equipment. The (OPD) will not allow gas to flow unless the tank is connected. The National Fire Protection Agency instituted the use of this new propane tank valve in 2002.

Lowe’s Home Improvement Store provided the grilling equipment used in this demonstration. The Philadelphia Fire Department acknowledges their support in bringing safe products and information to Philadelphia and the surrounding area.                                 

Commissioner Ayers and the Philadelphia Fire Department wants all Philadelphians to enjoy a safe summer grilling, and is pleased to offer this educational demonstration.

Fire Commissioner Ayers reminds everyone to follow these tips:

• Do not wear loose fitting clothing while cooking. 
• Never, under any circumstances, should children (supervised or unsupervised) be allowed to start outdoor cooking equipment. 
• Barbecue grills are not allowed on apartment building balconies or decks.  
• Barbecue grills are allowed on porches and decks of one and two family homes. 
• Never store a spare LPG (propane) container under or near the grill. 
• Never store LPG cylinders inside your home.  
• Always turn off the valves when not in use. 
• When purchasing a gas grill, select one that bears the approval mark of an independent testing laboratory. 
• Do not transport LPG cylinders in the trunk of a passenger vehicle. 
• To guard against the possibility of damage or explosion, burners tubing, and piping should be clean and free from insects, dust and debris.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: It's National Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Stay Safe When Lightning Strikes

Each year, the United States averages 300 lightning deaths and 80 injuries. All thunderstorms produce lightning and have the potential for danger.

Lightning's risk to individuals and property is increased because of its unpredictability, which emphasizes the importance of preparedness. It often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.

Click the following link to download the Office of Emergency Management's Thunderstorms flyer.

Remember, during a thunderstorm:

• Stay inside a building or hard-top vehicle, convertibles offer no safety from lightning. 
• Avoid showering, bathing, using a computer or a phone that has a cord, except in an emergency. 
• Unplug appliances, televisions and computers. 
• If outside, take cover immediately but never stand under a tall tree in an open area. 
• Don't touch metal, electrical equipment, telephones, bathtubs, water faucets or sinks.
• If someone is struck, call 9-1-1 for help, monitor the victim and begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CRP) or Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if necessary.

For more information on Lightning Safety, visit the National Weather Service's Lightning Safety page at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Conserve Energy This Summer to Avoid Utility Disruptions

During the summer months, energy usage can be very high. That's why it's important to conserve energy to avoid over taxing the system, which can cause utility disruptions. With temperatures climbing and the summer approaching, here are a few simple tips from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on how to stay cool and conserve energy in your home:

• Only use the air conditioner when you are home. 
• Clean or change your air conditioner filter at least once a month. 
• Set your air conditioner's thermostat to no lower than 78F.  
• Keep drapes closed and shades drawn to shield the suns heat. 
• Use clothes dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late evening, not in the heat of the day. 
• Use a microwave instead of a conventional range or oven. 
• Relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight or stay on the lowest floor of your home. 
• Air leaks waste energy. Caulking and weather-stripping will help keep cool air in.

For more information on how to stay safe this summer, visit the Excessive Heat page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website, www.phila.gov/ready. 

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Stay Cool in the Excessive Heat

Excessive heat can be dangerous, especially for seniors, pregnant women, infants, children or anyone working in the heat. Follow these simple tips to stay safe in the excessive heat:

• Stay out of the sun. When in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15). 
• Avoid working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 
• To prevent sunburn, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. 
• Use shades or awnings in your home. 
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or visor, or use an umbrella for shade. 
• Slow down. Rest in the shade or a cool place every chance you get. 
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. 
• Maintain a normal diet. 
• Use air conditioners and fans. If you use a fan, make sure your windows are open to release trapped hot air. 
• Visit a friend with air conditioning or go some place cool like a mall, library, or senior center. 
• To locate public pools, spray grounds or cooling centers in your neighborhood, visit our Interactive Map and click on the sun icon. Please note: Philadelphia Parks and Recreation will begin to open their outdoor public swimming pools on June 22, 2011. 
• Take a cool shower or bath. 
• Read your medication labels. Some medications can cause an adverse reaction in hot weather. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need more information. 
• Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat.

During periods of excessive heat the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, along with the Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging operate the HeatLine at 215-765-9040 to provide additional information on coping with the heat. For more information, visit the Excessive Heat page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Ride Your Bike Safely and Enjoy the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship

With the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship on Sunday, June 5, remember that in Pennsylvania bicycles are considered vehicles with the same responsibilities and rights as automobiles. Follow these simple tips to ride safely:

• Make sure your bike fits you properly. While straddling the bike, there should be an inch or two between you and the top tube on a road bike and on a mountain bike you want the clearance to be about five inches, so you can dismount on rough terrain.
• Adjust your seat height so that there is a slight bend in your knee when the pedal is in the down most position.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet that does not shake and sits on your forehead about two fingers width above your brow.
• When riding at night, every state requires bikes to have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector.
• Wear bright color clothing and reflector tape any time of day to ensure motorists can easily see you.
• Do the A.B.C Quick check before you ride to make sure you have enough air in your tires, your brakes are working properly, your cranks, chain and cassettes run smoothly and your quick release tires are secure. Also, make sure nothing else is loose on your bike.
• Follow the rules of the road - ride in the same direction as traffic, obey all traffic signs, signals and road markings – this means stopping at stop signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians, riding in turn lanes when turning and straight lanes when riding straight.
• Ride Defensively – look before riding out of driveways, always look for turning vehicles or pedestrians in your path, and look behind you and signal before changing lanes.
• Know the law - it is illegal in Philadelphia for anyone over the age of 12 to ride their bike on the sidewalk. Also, children 12 and under are required to wear a helmet.
• Avoid Road Hazards – ride around potholes, drain grates, gravel, glass and debris.
• Be Predictable – help motorist know exactly what you plan to do – signal, make eye contact if possible, and ride without swerving.
• Stay to the right and pass other cyclists on the left using an audible signal.

For more information check out the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia or the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship.