Summer activity safety tips

The long weekend is upon us!

While the Victoria Day long weekend brings plenty of fun in the sun, CSA Group, a Canadian certification and testing organization, has provided safety tips  whether you are camping, boating, heading to the cottage or swimming.

When it comes to outdoor entertaining:

Gas grills and barbecues

•  Before firing up the grill for the first time this season, carefully inspect burners and burner tubes for blockages due to dirt, grease, insects or rust build-up. Clean or replace any blocked parts or have a certified technician make repairs.

•  To make sure there are no gas leaks, rub a 50/50 solution of soap and water onto the gas hose, fittings and connections  and turn the gas on at the tank but not the burners. Any leaks will produce bubbles. Tighten the fittings if required and replace any damaged hoses or fittings.

• Propane cylinders must be inspected and re-qualified every 10 years in Canada and 12 years in the U.S. A date stamp on the cylinder indicates when it was last qualified. Do not use a rusty or damaged cylinder. If in doubt, have your tank replaced.

• Keep grills and barbecues away from combustible materials such as fences, trees, buildings, awnings and carports. Never use a barbecue in a garage.

• Buy the Certification Flame. When purchasing or installing a gas barbecue, make sure that it carries the mark of an accredited certification agency such as the CSA Group Certification Flame or Star Mark indicating that it meets applicable national standards.

When it comes to camping and boating:

Camping stoves and lanterns

• Three meters from the tent. Fuel-burning camping equipment such as stoves, lanterns and outdoor cookers should only be lighted outdoors and at least three meters from tents, combustible materials and vehicles. Never light a stove or lantern indoors or in a tent or vehicle. Before use, carefully inspect parts for leaks, blockages or damage.

• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, fuel-burning equipment should only be used in well-ventilated areas.

• Keep loose, flammable clothing away from open flames and carefully monitor children and pets around stoves and lanterns. Before packing up equipment, make sure it is completely turned off and cool to the touch.

Safety tips for launching boats and opening cottages:

• Boat smarts. Always wear a personal flotation device and never consume alcohol or intoxicants while operating a vehicle.

• Be alarmed. Ensure that certified carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are tested and properly installed outside all sleeping areas of your cabin, cottage or boat.

• Pest check. When opening your cabin, cottage or rustic retreat for the season, carefully inspect all appliances for damage from rodents or insects.

• Be prepared. Ensure boats and cottages are equipped with proper safety equipment in the event of an emergency, including first aid kits and fire extinguishers.

Click here for a full list of safety tips!