LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — As we approach one of the hottest days of the year a lot of people are thinking about keeping cool, but probably not fire safety.
When we think of summer activities that are likely to cause fires most people think about their barbecue grills outside. But there are some places in and outside your home that could pose a major fire risk.
13 Action News spoke to Tim Szymanksi, the Public Education and Information Office with Las Vegas Fire and Rescue about some of these lesser known fire hazards.
The heat can really do a number on your car especially if you have not kept up with your vehicle maintenance.
“Heat is the worst thing on cars,” Szymanksi said. “So, you need to have your vehicle maintained right now and make sure that tires are properly inflated.”
Now is also the time check your batteries because the heat really drains them. Las Vegas Fire and Rescue responds to a lot of stalled cars with dead batteries.
Szymanski also said if your car is having problems on the road and you fear the engine or other parts could have overheated; don’t park it in the garage!
Fire and Rescue also responds to a lot of vehicle fires in the summer months. He said if your car catches fire it’s better to have it in the driveway or the street and not inside your garage which could easily lead to the entire house catching fire.
We’re all aware of our air conditioners working hard when its especially hot outside and so is one very common household appliance. Your refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cold.
"It's working triple hard. Those things get overly red hot. The condensers do. If there is anything up against them papers, oven mittens. If something falls behind the refrigerator and those items can catch fire and spread to the rest of the house,” said Szymanksi.
And Szymanksi wants to remind everyone that your body, like your appliances and your car, has to adjust and be properly cared for during extreme heat.
“The secret is to drink lots of water. you have to have lots of water and you have to almost double what you have been doing in the past,’ said Szymanksi.
