Summer Safety Tips

CFSG made a list of important tips for your  Summer Safety

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change batteries immediately if needed.  For more information check out our section on smoke alarm maintenance & carbon monoxide detector maintenance.
• Check your fire extinguishers.  For more information, check our post on fire extinguisher information.
• Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords, replace where needed.                                        
• Ensure you have an emergency preparedness kit in case of incidents such as power outages and flooding.
• Practice your families fire escape plan so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency
• More than one-quarter (29%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 28% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 6% started in the kitchen.
• Position the grill well away from the residence. Do not place your grill directly next to siding, deck railings, extended eves, or below overhanging branches / leaves.
• Do not place your grill near or under utility pole wires that may be coming into your house.
• Place the grill a safe distance from any kind of foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring no less than a 3-foot zone around the grill. 
• Look for the standard on your sunscreen before sunbathing: If you are one of the thousands of sun lovers thinking of spending the day on the beach, look out for the ISO 24443 standard on sunscreen before you make a purchase. It is also important to wear sunscreen while driving in warm weather to avoid dangerous rays.
• Check arm bands and swimming costumes for standards: Make sure children’s swimming costumes, sun screen and armbands meet the relevant standards and display the CE mark. The I.S. EN 13138 standard for buoyancy aids ensures that rigorous safety test methods have been put into use and that aids are safe to be worn by your child.
• Buy sunglasses that protect against solar radiation and UV rays: When looking at the latest, most fashionable sunglasses consumers should choose options that meet the I.S. EN 1836 standard. This ensures that eyewear purchased offers protection against solar radiation or UV rays. Eyewear that does not offer protection from solar radiation or UV rays can damage your eyes.
• Check the CE mark on trampolines and bouncing castles: When buying a trampoline, make sure it comes with a safety net and a protective pad around the springs and that it also displays the CE marking (this ensures it meets the I.S. EN 13219 standard). Bouncing castles should meet the I.S. EN 14960 which tests and ensures that materials, design and structural integrity of the inflatable unit is fully safe and reliable for use. Ensure that the inflatable is securely anchored with a minimum of six anchorage points.
• Look for CE marks on tents: If you are one of the thousands of music lovers getting ready to go to one or more of this years’ summer festivals, look out for the CE marking and standards on tents and camping equipment before you purchase. I.S. EN 15619 and IS EN 13782 are both tent safety standards that will ensure the design, structure and fabric used in your tent is reliable, secure and flame retardant to avoid a dangerous situation.
• Check that your fitness equipment carries the relevant standard: Before you start training on your treadmill for that 10k or mini marathon check that it carries the relevant safety standard. Treadmills should carry the I.S. EN 957 standard, which ensures that the treadmill is safe and suitable for use.

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