According to the National Fire Protection Association the peak months for grill fires are June and July with 20 percent of these fires due to grills not being cleaned. Grill fires involve an average of 9,000 home fires per year resulting in an average of 22,000 patients treated in emergency rooms.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission there were an estimated 10,200 fireworks related injuries in 2022, with 73 percent occurring during July.
Do not become one of these statistics! Grilling Safety
• For propane grills, check the gas tank and hoses for leaks.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Place the grill away from the home, deck railings, and out from under homes eaves and overhanging branches.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
• If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
• Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
• Never bring a barbecue grill indoors, or into any unventilated space.
• Never store a spare gas container under or near the grills or indoors.
• Grills aren’t allowed on apartment balconies.
• Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.
• Never use gasoline to start any fire!
Fireworks
Connecticut state law prohibits the use of fireworks except for sparkers and fountains. Smoke bombs, poppers, snakes, glowworms and other novelty items are illegal.
• You must be 16 years or older to use sparklers and fountains. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
• Never light fireworks indoors.
• Only use them away from people, pets, houses, and flammable materials.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Soak spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that do not go off or in case of fire.
• Never use illegal fireworks.
Keep it legal. Keep it safe. Leave the fireworks to the professionals.