Do You Have a Fire Safe Attitude? Nothing puts a damper on your favorite summertime activity like a fire or an injury. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue urges you to follow these safety tips and to adopt a fire safe attitude so that your activities are remembered only for the fun! MATCHES AND LIGHTERS: Tools for grown-ups - not toys for kids! • Always keep matches and lighters out of the site and reach of children. • Discourage your children from picking them up and encourage them to tell an adult if found. BARBECUE SAFETY: Fire up the grill - not the patio! • Never leave your barbecue unattended, especially when children are around. • Always have a hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire. • Keep clothing, towels, and hot pads away from flames. Use long-handled barbecuing utensils. • Use charcoal lighter fluid sparingly and with caution. Never squirt "just a little more" once the fire is lit - even if it is just smoking. The fire can shoot back up along the stream and explode the container in your face and hands. • Always discard spent briquettes and warm ashes in a METAL can far away from combustibles (such as the deck or siding). Briquettes can stay hot and burn through paper bags or plastic buckets for hours after the fire is extinguished. Wait one full day before removing used briquettes from the barbecue. • Store unused briquettes in a dry place and away from potential ignition sources and combustible materials. • At every change of propane tanks/bottles, check the fittings to insure proper seal and fit. GASOLINE SAFETY: Fuel for equipment - fuel for a fire! • Never smoke or strike a match or lighter while fueling a lawnmower, chain saw, garden tractor or other gasoline engines. The invisible vapors should be considered dangerous and potentially explosive as well as the liquid form. • When refueling your mower or other gasoline-powered yard equipment, always turn off the engine to avoid stray sparks. • Pour gasoline very carefully. If you spill gasoline, wipe it up immediately and let the saturated rag air out thoroughly. • Keep gasoline in an approved container with a tight fitting lid to keep the vapors inside. • Store gasoline containers out of the reach of children and away from potential ignition sources. • Never store or use gasoline in an enclosed area or in the presence of pilot lights. SMOKING MATERIALS: Use the ashtray - not the roadway! • Extinguish and discard cigarette butts in an appropriate metal container or ashtray.