General Precautions

• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• All barbecue grills must only be used outdoors. Using grills indoors or in enclosed spaces is not only a fire hazard but it exposes occupants to toxic gasses and potential asphyxiation.
• Always position the grill well away from combustible objects. Buildings, fences, deck railings and landscaping can easily and quickly ignite.
• Be sure to place the grill a safe distance from other outdoor activities such as lawn games, play areas, foot traffic, pets and children.
• Establish a 3-foot “safe zone” around the grill. Teach children that only adults are allowed in the grill zone.
• Always use long-handled grilling utensils and heat-resistant oven mitts to avoid exposure burns from heat and flames.
• Periodically remove grease build-up in catch trays to prevent it from igniting.
• Grills should not be used on under overhangs of garages, homes or decks.
• Have propane cylinders filled by a professional. Overfilled or leaking cylinders can have serious consequences.
• Close the vents of the grill after you use it. If you’re using a propane grill, make sure the fuel source has been shut off. Always keep the cover on the grill when it is not in use.
• If a fire starts on the grill, put the cover on the grill and turn off the heat source, if possible. Smother a grease fire. Do not use water.

Charcoal Grills

• Only use approved charcoal lighter fluid for starting the grill.
• Never use gasoline or flammable liquids to light charcoal.
• Do not add lighter fluid to coals that have already been ignited.
• Keep unused charcoal dry. Wet charcoal becomes a fire hazard as it dries out through the process of spontaneous combustion.
• Before disposing of charcoal ashes, allow them to cool thoroughly. Ashes can still be hot for as long as seven days, so always keep them either in the grill or in a metal container until cool, then stir the ashes before disposal to make sure they are completely out.

Liquid Propane (LP) Gas Grills

• Inspect the gas cylinder hose and connections for leaks before using the grill for the first time each year.
• Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose and all connections, any leaks will be quickly revealed in the form of bubbles.
• If you discover a leak either by smell or by the soap test and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank valve and the grill. If the leak stops, have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the Fire Department.
• If you smell gas while cooking or see any fire outside the grill box, immediately get away from the grill and call the Fire Department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

Grill Use in Multi-Family Dwellings in Eden Prairie

The City of Eden Prairie regulates the use of grills in multiple-family dwellings by ordinance. Whether you own or rent, if you live in a structure containing three or more dwelling units with at least two vertically stacked, the use of any fire or open flame is prohibited on any balcony above ground level, or on any ground level patio within 15 feet of the structure.

Candle Safety

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Always keep burning candles out of the reach of children or pets.
• Do not place burning candles on end tables or other areas where they might accidentally be knocked over.
• Never place a burning candle near something that can catch fire.
• Keep candles away from drafts and vents.
• Trim wicks to one quarter inch prior to each use.
• Extinguish taper or pillar candles when they get within 2 inches of their holders.
• Always use a flame-retardant base that has been made for candles.
• Keep matches, wick trimmings and foreign objects out of the candle wax.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is odorless and colorless and the symptoms of CO poisoning can be difficult to distinguish from the common cold or flu.

If undetected, high levels of CO in the home can lead to severe illness or even death.

To prevent CO from reaching dangerous levels in your home:

• Install an approved, operational CO detector within 10 feet of every bedroom or sleeping area. This is required by Minnesota State Law.
• Be sure that all combustion (fuel-burning) appliances are installed and working according to manufacturers’ guidelines. It is especially important that the devices have an adequate air supply and exhaust directly to the outdoors.
• Have combustion appliances inspected every year.
• Make sure all flues, chimneys, and exhaust vent pipes are connected properly, in good condition and unobstructed (including snow).
• Install and use an exhaust fan, vented to the outside, over any gas stove.
• Open the chimney flue fully when using the fireplace.
• Make sure the doors on fuel-burning stoves fit properly and are closed tightly.
• Use the proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing unvented ones.
• Never use your cooking stove to heat your home.
• Don’t ever burn charcoal inside your home or in any enclosed space.
• Don’t sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
• If you have an attached garage, don’t idle your vehicle in it and always back it out right away.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• If you are using a paint remover containing methylene chloride, follow manufacturer’s instructions and perform work in a well-ventilated area.
• Replace CO alarms every 5-7 years according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Be sure that all members of your household know that if the alarm sounds on a CO detector, they should evacuate the home immediately and call 911 for assistance.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches.

If Your Alarm Sounds

• If the audible trouble signal on your alarm sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• If the CO alarm sounds, everyone inside the home must move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help and stay there until emergency personnel arrive. 

More Information

Visit the National Fire Protection Association's website to find additional safety tips and more information about how to protect yourself and loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Take these steps to protect your children from burns:

• Keep matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.
• Teach children to tell adults if they find matches or a lighter.
• Make and practice a home escape plan.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.
• Turn pot handles to the back of the stove when cooking.
• Do not place hot liquids near the edges of tables or counters.
• Have children play away from the kitchen and the outdoor grill.

Fireworks Safety

• Supervise children around fireworks at all times
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Never give fireworks to small children.
• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
• Always have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks.
• If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
• Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks.
• If a device is not marked with the contents, directions and a warning label, do not light it.

Smoke Alarm Safety

• Test your smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home so that when one sounds, they all sound.
• An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms, or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) should be installed in homes.
• Smoke rises. Install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling.
• Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Alarms that are hard-wired and include battery backup must be installed by a qualified electrician.
• If cooking fumes or steam set off nuisance alarms, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a "hush" button. A "hush" button will reduce the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time.
• An ionization alarm with a hush button or a photoelectric alarm should be used if the alarm is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance.
• Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement in addition to the usual alarm sound may be helpful in waking children through the use of a familiar voice.
• Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices use strobe lights. Vibration devices can be added to these alarms

About Smoke Alarm Batteries

• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps warning the batter is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right way.
• Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace the battery right away.
• When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer's list of batteries (brand and model) found on the back of the alarm or in the manufacturer's instructions. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.