Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the leading product safety testing organization, is encouraging families not to take a “vacation” from safety this summer. In a recent press release, the organization offered some simple grilling, pool and play set safety tips:

Grilling Safety Tips

• Keep grills at least a safe distance from any structure: Grilling mishaps cause more than 8,300 fires and send 3,000 people to the emergency room each year. Never grill indoors or near garages or porches, even if it's raining.
• Never leave the grill unattended and dispose of charcoal away from kids and pets: Coals get very hot, in some cases up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait until the coals have completely cooled before disposing of them or cool them down with a hose before discarding in an area far from where people would walk."
• Have a spray bottle and fire extinguisher nearby: Just a few squirts from a spray bottle or knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can help handle flare-ups and keep any barbecue mishaps from getting out of hand.

Pool Safety Tips

• Supervision is a must: Follow the 10/20 rule when you're at the pool. The 10/20 rule states the supervising adult needs to be able to scan the pool within 10 seconds and reach the water within 20 seconds.
• Flotation devices, toys and inflatable swimming aids are not safety devices: These popular poolside items are toys and can easily puncture and deflate.
• Empty small wading pools after children are done playing and remove all toys: Infants can drown in just a few inches of water. Pool toys may attract children to the pool when it is unattended.

Play Set Safety Tips

• Carefully inspect backyard play sets: Make sure equipment is anchored safely in the ground, all equipment pieces are in good working order, S-hooks are entirely closed and bolts are not protruding.
• Install protective surfacing: Place rubber tiles or mulch under the play set, at least six feet in all directions, to prevent serious injuries should a child fall.
• Check for spaces that could trap children: Openings in guardrails and between ladder rungs should measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches.

To learn more about UL's summer safety tips, go to: www.safetyathome.com.