The return of fine weather encourages you to beautify and enjoy your gardens.
Prevention tips if in these beautiful days,
- you get out your petrol lawnmower ;
- you are clearing weeds;
- you light a barbecue for the first time this year.
Thermal mowers - petrol powered:
- Do not fill the tank of your lawnmower when it is hot. Petrol vapours can ignite in the heat.
- Only use petrol as a fuel, never as a cleaner or degreaser.
- Store petrol only in a tightly closed, properly labelled container specifically designed for this purpose.
- Petrol, like most flammable liquids, is still dangerous even in small quantities; do not transfer it to another container or store it.
How to get rid of weeds
In order to avoid chemical products and weed killers, more and more gardeners are opting for a weed burner. This 'greener' technique is, however, more risky. Be aware of the immediate surroundings of the area to be treated! Handling the torch requires dexterity to avoid dried out plants and flammable materials. It is best to avoid using it in the presence of shrubs, dry leaves, hedges, your garden furniture, your garden shed, and far from your facade or your car! In addition, be aware of the wind, which can deflect the torch or cause sparks to fly, and the real danger of using it in dry weather.
- Be careful about the areas to be treated and the weather conditions before using your weed burner.
- Placing a bucket of sand, a fire extinguisher or a hose nearby seems essential, but may not be enough to prevent the fire from spreading quickly.
- Avoid burning yourself by wearing appropriate clothing (closed shoes, preferably leather, no loose, flammable clothing).
- Protect areas and plants that should not be burnt, or wet them beforehand.
- Make sure that no smouldering fire persists after the burner has been used.
Better still, but more tiring, use a slab brush, scraper knife or garden claw to remove weeds in dry periods.
Read our "In the garden" safety sheet.
Is the barbecue in good condition?
- Before using your barbecue for the first time, carefully inspect it and check its condition.
- If necessary, clean any nests, spider webs or other debris that may have accumulated during the winter.
- Clean up any grease deposits you may find.
- Inspect your grill carefully and make sure it is free of grease or grease build-up.
- Check its stability and the condition of the grates and handles.
- For gas grills, check that the gas supply and connection to the gas canister or cylinder are in good condition.
- Only use a barbecue outdoors.
Do not use fire accelerants, such as methylated spirits, to light your barbecue. Their vapours can ignite and cause serious burns.
Read our "Barbecue checklist" tips
Sources :
Other fire risks outside your home - https://nejouezpasaveclefeu.be/fr/prevention-contre-les-incendies-exterieur/
NFPA offers 6 key tips to safely tackle spring cleaning https://www.nfpa.org
