Spend a Little And Stay Safe This Summer

The sun is shining, the air feels warm and its time to start celebrating summer.

For many Canadians its all about the barbecue, getting out on the boat or exploring the national parks, since summer is such a preciously short season for those in the Great White North.

But the one thing we should take the time to do is be safe, whether its in the backyard, at the cottage or around town.

CSA Group, the certification and testing group which insures products sold in Canada are following safety standards, has put together a list of tips to remind everyone how to have fun and stay safe.CSA Group has put together a list of safety considerations for common summer fun:

Outdoor entertaining:

• If the barbecue has been dormant for a few months, clean it thoroughly, inspecting burners and clearing tubes for any blockages due to dirt or grease.
• Check for gas leaks - use a 50/50 solution of soap and water and apply to gas hose, fittings and connections and turn on the gas - a leak will create bubbles, making it easy to figure out where the leak is on the barbecue.
• Keep barbecues in open areas, away from the crowds, trees or combustible materials and never use a barbecue in a garage.

Boating / watersports / cottage:

• Wear a personal flotation device and insure everyone on board is wearing one (and like driving, no boating and drinking)
• check carbon monoxide and smoke alarms at the cottage or on boat
• Make sure cottage or boat has first aid kits and a fire extinguisher
• Check appliances in the cottage for any possible damage due to insects or animals

Camping:

• Keep fuel-burning equipment such as lamps or stoves at least three metres from tents
• Never use a fuel burning item inside a tent
• Remind children to keep clear of fuel-burning equipment
• Follow the campground rules in regards to fire and always extinguish thoroughly

For more tips to keep safe, go to csasafetytips.com.