Summer Safety Tips The Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department offers these summer safety tips regarding hazardous materials. Store gasoline in safety cans manufactured and labeled for that purpose. Gasoline should never be stored inside your home because vapors can travel to a flame source and ignite. Gasoline should be stored outside, or in a well ventilated shed. Don’t refuel lawn mowers, trimmers, edgers or other gasoline powered equipment while hot because the fumes may ignite and start a flash fire. Allow the equipment to cool. Use a funnel to prevent spills. Keep fertilizers and pool chemicals away from gasoline, oil and fuels. Pool chemicals (chlorites) and fertilizers (nitrates) are strong oxidizers and react violently with fuel vapors (hydrocarbons). Powdered and pellet chlorine should be kept in a cool, dry place. If water enters a chlorine container, it can react and possibly explode. Never add water to chlorine -- add chlorine to water to prevent a splash or violent reaction. Pesticides should not be accessible to children or pets and should be kept in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place. It is important to follow the instructions on the label for use and application. If exposed to pesticides, rinse the affected materials off immediately and seek emergency treatment. Bring the container with you to the medical facility if possible. ###
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