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City of Whitefish Fire Department also serving the Whitefish Fire Service Area 275 Flathead Avenue – PO Box 158 - Whitefish, Montana 59937 [PHONE REDACTED] Fax: [PHONE REDACTED] SUMMER SAFETY TIPS HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES While the heat can pose an increased fire risk, the elements can be just as detrimental to your health. GRILLING SAFETY • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors. • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from eaves and overhanging branches. • Keep children and pets away from the grill area. • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat build-up from the grills and trays below them. • Never leave your grill unattended. WILDLAND FIRE SAFETY • Do not discard cigarettes from a moving vehicle. Use an appropriate receptacle. • Whether grilling or burning debris outdoors, never leave a fire unattended. • Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. • Trim trees so they do not hang over the roof of your house. • Make sure that leaves, debris and other combustible materials are cleared from your rain gutters and eaves. ---PAGE BREAK--- YOUNG FIRESETTERS Children playing with fire cause hundreds of deaths and injuries each year. Preschoolers and kindergartners are most likely to start these fires, typically by playing with matches and lighters, and are most likely to die in them. • Children experience fire interest. They may ask questions such as how hot is fire or show an interest in fire through playing with fire trucks or cooking on a play stove. This is healthy, and it is time to begin educating about fire. • Fire-starting happens when children begin to experiment with fire using matches and lighters. Many fires happen when young children are left alone, even for a short period of time, and have access to matches and lighters. Parents must have clear rules and consequences about fire misuse. • Grown-ups can help keep fire out of the hands of children. • Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach and sight, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet or container. • Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place where children may go without supervision. • Teach young children and school age children to tell a grown up if they see matches or lighters. Children need to understand that fire is difficult to control, it is fast, and can hurt as soon as it touches you. • A child with an interest in fire can lead to fire starting and result in repeated firesetting behavior. • It is important for grown-ups to discourage unsupervised fire starts. • Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children. They may imitate you. • Never assign a young child any tasks that involve the use of a lighter or matches (lighting candles, bringing a lighter to an adult to light a cigarette or the fireplace, etc.). • If your child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only. • Use only lighters designed with child-resistant features. Remember, child- resistant does not mean child-proof.