Category Archives: Neighborhood Safety

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Neighborhood News, Neighborhood Safety
submitted by Linda Baird

If asked, “Are you prepared for an emergency?” what would your answer be?  With all of the recent wildfires around the Austin area, I realized just how unprepared I was. So, it’s time to get my act together and GET PREPARED!  If you find yourself in the same boat, here are a few suggestions.

Create a “Grab and Go” box.

  • Place important papers in a fireproof and waterproof box or a waterproof backpack sealed in a waterproof plastic bag.
  • Place box/backpack in an easily accessible location.
  • If you must evacuate: Grab your box and take it with you. Keep the box with you at all times and do not leave it in your car unattended. Continue reading Be Prepared for Emergencies →

A plea from our neighbors along our greenbelts…

Neighborhood News, Neighborhood Safety
Submitted by Ed & Kay Peterson

Given the extreme drought this summer and the HIGH risk of wildfires, we are asking you, our neighbors, to please refrain from smoking along our trails and in our parks, parking on the grass, riding dirt bikes in the fields or other potential hazards until this risk subsides. We are under a mandatory burn ban so if you see anyone doing any of these things, please remind them that it’s just not safe right now.

It is most likely we are going to lose some trees from the drought anyway and we would hate to lose more due to a fire or worse yet, have a fire spread to our homes. Please, please, please, use caution when doing any activity outside, recreational or otherwise.

Click HERE to download a comprehensive wildfire prevention plan from the Texas Forest Service or look under our “Safety” tab for articles on Fire Safety.  Below is a link to the  FEMA website for further information on wildfires if you are interested.  In addition, there are several Fire Safety articles featured on this website under “Safety”.  Thanks and stay safe.

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/wildfire/wf_prepare.shtm

Grilling Safety Tips

Neighborhood Safety

From Hershel Lee, Travis County Fire Marshal

Before you fire up the grill this weekend for your family barbeque, here are a few safety tips recommended by the National Fire Protection Association.

  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors.  If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
  • Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot “safe zone” around the grill.
  • Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers.
  • Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

Charcoal grills/Wood smokers

  • Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the container out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
  • Ashes from charcoal or wood must be disposed of safely.  Place the ashes in a metal container and place the container on a non-combustible surface until cool.  After cooling, douse ashes with water before final disposal.  Never dispose of ashes in a dumpster.

Propane grills

  • Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.  A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles.  If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame:

o       Turn off the gas tank and grill.

o       If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

o       If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.  Do not attempt to move the grill.
  • Use only equipment with the label of a recognized testing laboratory.  Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
  • Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages.  If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave the cylinder outside.