Have a happy & safe 4th of July

  • Published
  • By Holloman Fire Emergency Services
  • 49th Civil Engineer Squadron
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  No longer is summer, especially here in New Mexico, the only season for barbecuing. Many of us now fire up our grills sooner in the year or use them year around. That's why grill safety is more important than ever. Anytime is the right time to put a shrimp on the barbie as well as burgers, steaks, chickens or hot dogs.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, whether you use charcoal, wood, gas or electricity for grilling, a moment's inattention can spell disaster. Here are some safety tips and interesting facts:

SAFETY TIPS
· Make sure someone tends the fire at all times
· Keep grills away from combustibles, including the outside of your house, balcony or garage.
· As a safety precaution, keep the garden hose within easy reach of cooking area
· Check hose integrity and hose connections to make sure gas is not leaking from your gas grill. Apply soapy water to hoses and connections to reveal any leaks.
· Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
· Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.
· Enforce a "kid-free zone" of 36 inches around the grill. Also keep your pets from underfoot.
· 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.
· Keep the grill clean.

FIREWORKS???
Now comes the other side of the celebration. What kind of fireworks are we allowed to have on Holloman? The answer is none. There is a Department of Defense directive that prohibits the use of fireworks on all military installation and this is to include firecrackers, rockets and even sparklers. So, save your money.

We are very fortunate that on the 2nd of July the folks of the 49th Force Support Squadron, in conjunction with many volunteers, have arranged for an excellent array of activities (games, carnival rides, static displays, food booths and music) to include a most dynamic aerial display of fireworks. The city of Alamogordo this year has planned another bedazzling aerial display on the 4th of July for your viewing pleasure. Once again, please plan to attend and enjoy the evening. The surrounding counties and cities may allow restricted use of fireworks. Please check with those authorities prior to purchase and use.