Summer is the perfect time of year to sit around a bonfire or eat a delicious steak straight off the grill. However, campfires and barbecues can be dangerous and cause fire damage. Cooking grills cause more than 6,000 fires and $35 million of property damage each year. Here are some tips to keep your home and family safe this summer.

Do:

Keep fire starters away from children.

Ensure children can’t reach any matches or lighters. A smart way to do this is to store these items on high shelves or not let them leave your sight. Teach kids to let an adult know if they see matches or lighters so that they can stay safe.

Use lighter fluid correctly.

Use lighter fluid before you start the fire — not after. It can be catastrophic if you try to put lighter fluid on coals that are warm or hot. This can cause the fire to flash back to the container, making it explode.

Put fires out properly.

If fires aren’t appropriately extinguished, they can come back to life while you aren’t there to supervise them. For campfires, sprinkle them with water and stir the coals with a shovel to ensure the fire won’t catch again. For grills, once the coals have cooled, put them in a metal garbage can with a lid to prevent fire damage.

Don’t:

Use your grill too close to the house.

Keep the grill at least 3 feet from any part of your home — including eaves, siding, and deck rails. The distance helps prevent fire damage to your home. You should also keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill; don’t let children or pets near for their safety.

Wear loose clothing.

Donning long sleeves or baggy pants isn’t a smart idea when there’s an open flame, such as in a grill or campfire. Opt for shorter sleeves or more form-fitting options.

Leave fires unattended.

Keep an eye on the grill, fire pit, and patio torches. It only takes a second for an unwanted fire to start. If no one is around to watch the fire, put it out.

Blue Ridge Property Restore in Martinsburg, WV, offers quality fire damage restoration services that will help you recover from an emergency. For the last decade, they’ve served residents of Eastern West Virginia, South Central Pennsylvania, Central Maryland, and Northern Virginia, restoring homes and businesses after disasters. They’re a preferred vendor for most major insurance carriers and can help you get back on your feet. Visit their website to learn more about the services they offer, or call (304) 262-8100 to request a free estimate.