Spring means warmer weather, and warmer weather means it’s time to dust off  grills! Grilling has become one of the most popular forms of summer time cooking, and can result in some delicious food. If proper safety measures are not taken, however, grilling can lead to fire and injury. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has provided the following tips to make sure you have a safe grilling experience.

Safety Tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

Charcoal Grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Propane Grilling

• Always check the gas tank hose for leaks before turning on the grill. Do so by applying a light soap and water solution. Bubbles will form if there is a leak.
• If you discover a leak, either by smell or by soapy bubble test, and there are no flames, turn of the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before you grill with it again.
• If the leak does not stop, contact the local fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

If we all take the time to observe these basic grilling safety tips, we can enjoy the amazing taste of grilled food while keeping ourselves, our families, and our property safe.

For more safety tips, visit the NFPA Safety Tip website at http://goo.gl/Rhp7V

March 20 was the first day of Spring!

With spring comes warmer weather and the chance to spend more time doing things outside. Warmer weather also brings a set of preparedness challenges that are unique to the season. From severe weather to sunburns, it is important to talk with your family about how to prepare for the upcoming months.

At this time of year, many people begin doing more activities outside. Many people have the misperception that the being out in the sun cannot cause harm at this time of year. Spring sun can still be very strong, so make sure to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water when doing activities outside.

While mostly sunny, spring weather can often change quickly and dramatically.  Make sure to check weather forecasts and to ensure you are dressed accordingly when going outdoors.

Spring also comes with thunderstorms begin, bringing with them lightning and hail. Tornadoes can form in many parts of the state. High winds can cause great damage to property. Dryer weather can contribute to higher threat of forest fires. For many communities in the mountains, heavy snow may still be in the forecast. Each of these severe weather issues bring specific challenges for which you need to prepare.

While spring weather can present certain challenges, it also opens up many opportunities. Warmer weather can make it much easier to get out and involve yourself in the community. Activities such as volunteering with your fire department or EMS service, donating blood, or simply talking to others in your neighborhood about emergency preparedness are great ways to get involved and strengthen your community.

Spring has sprung, and with it so have a many opportunities and challenges. Let’s make the best of this beautiful spring weather by committing ourselves to being better prepared for emergencies and in strengthening our communities.

Daylight Saving Time returns Sunday, March 11, at 2:00 a.m. Set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night.

The semi-annual time change is also a great opportunity to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace the batteries. Fresh batteries help ensure that your alarm is ready to alert you to unsafe conditions. Immediately replace batteries on any alarm that begins to beep or “chirp ” – that’s a sure sign the current batteries are running out of power. If the alarm continues to chirp after installing fresh batteries, replace the alarm.

Most alarms have a button you can press to make sure the device is working. That’s important, but only part of the story. The circuits that detect smoke and carbon monoxide do wear out over time. To be safe, plan to replace your alarms every 10 years to ensure the alarms are fully functional. The production date is written on the back cover, making it easy to check when you change the battery.

Testing the alarm every month, rather than just when you replace the batteries, is also a good idea. Choose the same day each month to do the test so you don’t forget.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms typically do not require much maintenance beyond replacing the batteries, but it is a good idea to vacuum out dust and cobwebs.

Alarms that vibrate or have a bright, flashing light are available for people with hearing impairments. In order for the light to be bright enough to wake a person, the alarm will likely need to be connected to your home’s power – have a qualified electrician install this type of alarm.

Alarms help protect you while you sleep – if they detect danger, the alarms can give you time to wake up and get to safety. Install an alarm in every bedroom, and at least one alarm on every floor of your home, even if there are no bedrooms on that floor. A fire on one floor may become very dangerous before it produces enough smoke to set off alarms on other floors.

In addition to having alarms in your home, make sure every member of your family knows at least two ways to get out of the building. Also select at a place for everyone to meet after they get out of your home – a neighbor’s front yard or nearby street corner for example.

When a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds, always leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1 from another location. Never, under any circumstances, go back into your home until emergency crews tell you it is safe.

For more information about alarms, visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s page at http://goo.gl/1nD4y.

Three people were killed last week by Colorado avalanches. It’s a danger that can happen in an instant.

Our key resource for snow conditions is the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The center is supported by the Colorado Geological Survey to forecast avalanche conditions for the public. In addition, they provide basic training programs for skiers and snowmobilers on avalanche safety.

Three factors must be present for an avalanche to occur: the right terrain, an unstable snowpack and a trigger that provides the stress causing the snowpack to collapse.

If you plan on taking part in outdoor winter sports up in the Colorado high country get prepared by:

• Taking classes on avalanche safety either online or at your local sports store.
• Check out avalanche forecasts for current conditions.
• Purchase and learn how to use your avalanche safety gear.

We can all enjoy our fantastic Colorado winters and play safe in our outdoor mountain sports. Get educated and stay prepared.