By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



As the start of summer approaches this month, families will spend more time at home, inside and out.

With that in mind, Gardendale Fire Marshal Rick Smith said the Gardendale Fire Prevention Bureau is teaming up with the Home Safety Council to recognize June as “Home Safety Month.”

Throughout the month of June, the fire prevention bureau and Home Safety Council will encourage residents to consider their home’s danger areas and take steps to minimize the risk of potential injuries or death.

Smith said there are some important tips families should keep in mind to ensure a safe summer season.

“In the summer, the kids are out of school, so typically kids are home more,” Smith said. “It doesn’t take but just a second for something to happen.”

One of the issues that Smith and the Home Safety Council are promoting is water safety, whether in a pool or in the home.

“Some people think a swimming pool is not that big of a deal,” he said. “But with children, you can bat an eye and a small child can fall into a pool.”

He said common sense solutions include keeping gates and fences that lead to pools locked. He said tips for adults and children include not swimming alone and to swim in pairs. Children are advised to always swim with an adult.

Smith said summer also means more outdoor grilling, which can be a potential fire hazard. He said firefighters will often notice things in a home when responding to a call that a homeowner may not be aware of.

“We see plastic patio furniture a foot from a barbecue grill because some people have smaller decks,” he said. “Maybe to us it’s common sense, but you can get too comfortable and let things go.”

He said homeowners should also inspect gas grills before using them for the first time this summer, making sure that hoses are properly connected.

Homeowners should also be cautious when using deep fryers. “If you use them correctly, they’re fairly safe,” he said. “All it takes is one mistake and you’ve got hot grease on your deck.”

He said residents can find more printed safety information at the Gardendale Fire Department station, located at 1811 Decatur Hwy. Information can also be found at the fire department’s Web site at http://www.cityofgardendale.com/CityServices.htm.