Summer is Here, Enjoy Summer Safely in Riverside!

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

Please review a few tips that can help ensure you have a safe enjoyable summer.

Although we have already enjoyed several warm days here in Riverside, the official first day of summer is June 21th, 2019.   Please review a few tips that can help ensure you have a safe enjoyable summer.

Your Home

As we pack away winter coats there are some things you can do to prepare your home for the season: 

•       Clean your refrigerator coils
•       Change your air-conditioning filters
•       Ensure your condensation line is clear of clogs and operating normally
•       Inspect your driveway for any potential repairs needed
•       Let out heat from the attic –high temperatures are a regular cause of mold
•       Open windows to reduce moisture in your home
•       Install screen doors; ensure the screens are in good condition
•       Install reflective/tinted windows-this will protect your furnishing and reduce cooling costs!
•       Add plants to your home-plants reduce toxins in the home and even offer health benefits!
•       Secure your hose a safe distance from home, slow leaks has caused floods
•      Inspect pool for any damage that may have occurred throughout the winter season

Water Activities

With temperatures rising in Riverside, this means a lot of us are all gearing up to take part in water activities and swimming! 

We thought we would share some top water safety tips for you to remember before you jump in the water!

1. Swim with a buddy. If possible, this is always the safest route no matter where you might be swimming.
2. Parents, always watch your kids while they are in the pool. Disasters can happen so fast!
3. Have a life jacket and first aid kit on hand. Getting in the habit of taking these things with you to swimming activities can be helpful.

For more great water safety tips, visit the American Red Cross website.

Grilling, Fire Pits, and Fire Works

There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months! Did you know, summertime is the season for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren’t considered.  Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free!

Bar B Q Fire Safety

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• Keep a 3 foot area clear on all sides of the grill...kids and pets, too!
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• When disposing of any coals, please make sure you use a metal container and a lid, without anything piled on top of the lid!

Don't you just love a fire pit?

• Make sure your fire pit has a cover. It may be needed to extinguish the fire quickly and easily in the event of an emergency.
• Look around the fire pit before lighting it.  Make sure there is nothing easily flammable near it...piles of dried leaves, firewood, tiki torches and/or their fluid.
• Watch out for what you are adding to your fire pit.  Leaves, paper, magazines or cardboard can separate and send large fire filled pieces into the air, causing a fire elsewhere!
• Not a bad idea to have a fire extinguisher and/or a hose with the water turned on, handy.

Fire Works

It’s firework season! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 18,500 fires are started every year by fireworks. This includes 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. “These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage,” says the NFPA.

Do you think sparklers are the safe way to go? Nope: they account for about a fourth of emergency room fireworks injuries.

Stay safe this summer by paying close attention to children at fireworks events, and avoiding the use of consumer fireworks.

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eye-wear.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
• Children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful summer from SERVPRO of West Riverside City and please be safe!

If fire does damage your home or business this summer, give us a call at 951-351-8033. SERVPRO of West Riverside City will make it "Like it never even happened."