El Dorado
County
General Contact Number: (530) 621-5567

Air Quality Management District

Image of a Fireman Fire Safety

There are many things that people can do to improve their safety at home, school, or work from a FIRE!

Have an escape plan that includes:
Red Dot Two different ways out.
Red Dot Someone assigned to help small children or someone who needs assistance getting out of the house.
Red Dot Someone assigned to call 911.
Red Dot A meeting place for everyone once they get out.
Red Dot Practice fire drills regularly using your escape plan.

Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

Have a working fire extinguisher.

Red Dot Be careful while cooking and remember:
Red Dot Never leave cooking unattended.
Red Dot Wear clothes with short, roll-up, or tight-fitting sleeves.
Red Dot For each pot or pan you use, have its lid out to cover it.
Red Dot Keep the cooking areas clear of combustibles.
Red Dot Turn pot and pan handles inward on the stove so they can't be bumped.
Red Dot Keep small children away from the cooking area while in use.

Fire Safety

When grass dries out in the heat of summer, wildfires start easily. A simple spark caused by a lawn mower blade or weed eater wire leader striking a rock, or high temperatures from mufflers or faulty spark arresters on yard equipment are enough to ignite dry grass.

Restrict lawn mowing and equipment use to cooler morning hours when lower temperatures and higher humidity reduce the risk of starting a wildfire.

Red Dot  Home Fire Safety

 

Here are Some Tips to Keep You Safe While Using Power Equipment!

 ACTIVITY

SAFETY TIPS

Refueling  No smoking while refueling or adjusting an engine. Stop the engine and several minutes before refueling. Set a hot engine on bare ground, log or stump--never on dry forest materials. Use an approved metal safety can equipped with spout and a funnel. Avoid overflow spill by not filling to top. Don't leave empty fuel containers in the woods.
Starting  Move 10-15 feet from the fueling spot and away from any gasoline vapors. Be sure spilled gasoline is dried-up before starting. Check for leaks; clean oil, dirt and fine flammable from metal parts--this will make the engine more fire safe and cooler running. Keep an approved fire extinguisher and shovel within 25 feet of operation. Know where the nearest phone is and who to call for help.
Use  Check for smoldering embers before leaving area. Don't run engine if it is backfiring or overheating. Don't leave engine idling unattended. Refuel before tank is completely empty to prevent engine from stopping during operation. Keep fire prevention exhaust system in place and clear away any carbon accumulation. Use proper gas/oil mixture to reduce carbon buildup. Inspect and clean spark arrestor screen before each operation.