Use safe practices around fireworks, grills Published June 20, 2008 By 1st SOCES HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries. Annually, more than 8,000 Americans are injured by fireworks and grill fires. More than half of these injuries occur during the first week of July. The United States Fire Administration's National Fire Data Center estimates that outside cooking grills cause more than 6,000 fires, more than 5 fatalities, more than 170 injuries and $35 million in property loss yearly. Gas grills alone cause more than 2,700 fires, 80 injuries and $11 million dollars in damage. Most of the gas grill fires and explosions are caused by gas leaks, blocked tubes and overfilled propane tanks. Improper use of fireworks causes more than 6,000 fires and more than $8 million in damage. Summertime should be a time for fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following instructions can help everyone have a safe summer. Fireworks Safety Hurlburt Field Instruction 32-2001 states that the use of any fireworks is prohibited on Hurlburt Field. The only exception is approved or licensed pyrotechnic personnel who are contracted by the base to do a display or a training exercise. If taking part in the lighting of fireworks off base or while on vacation, follow these safety rules. - Make sure the fireworks are legal in the area. Okaloosa County prohibits the use of fireworks in county parks, and Santa Rosa County prohibits the use of fireworks in recreation areas - Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass - Always have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly - Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks - Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it - Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a device is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it - Supervise children around fireworks at all times Barbecue Safety HFI 32-2001 also states that outdoor cooking devices must not be used inside quarters, carports or garages, or under overhangs, eaves or pavilions. - Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked - Do not overfill the propane tank - Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue - Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback into the container and explode - Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills - Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water and stir them to ensure the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers - Never grill or barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced - Make sure everyone knows to stop, drop and roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire - Call 911 or the local emergency number if a burn needs serious medical attention