With Memorial Day weekend here, many people consider this the unofficial beginning of the Summer season. As we all try to make the most of the Summer of 2010, the Cutchogue Fire Department would like to remind you of things you can do to make it a safer summer for everyone.

VEHICLE AND ROAD SAFETY

As we all know, summer brings many more cars on to our roads. It's a time when our parks and beaches are open, families and friends have get togethers, and tourists begin their weekend visits out to the wineries, farmstands and rural atmosphere of the North Fork. At certain times of the day traffic can be very heavy - as everyone is out and about trying to get where they want to be. This can lead to frustration for many drivers and cause aggressive driving, unsafe maneuvers, and dangerous actions. These actions can lead to car accidents and injuries.

Please don't let this happen to you!! Posted below are some tips to follow to help keep you safe as you travel to all the many great destinations we have on the North Fork:

1) Pay attention to the road and do not distract yourself when driving. Always be vigilant and courteous. Have your passengers keep on the lookout for the interesting places to stop, so you can stay focused on driving. Do not use cellphones or text messaging when behind the wheel.

2) Be aware of bicycles and pedestrians. Many more people are cycling or walking when the weather gets nicer. If you decide to ride a bicycle or walk after dark, please be sure to wear reflective clothing and bring reflectors and flashlights with you.

3) Please never drink and drive, or drive under the influence of drugs.

4) Be careful of deer or other wildlife that may dart out into the roadways.

5) Leave plenty of time for your trip when driving the roads of the North Fork. If you have an appointment, don't leave at the last minute expecting to get there quickly. This can cause frustration on your part, and turn you into an aggressive driver as you try to race through traffic.

6) If you see Emergency Vehicles with their lights on or hear their sirens, please pull over to the right to let them pass. Do not try to follow them after they pass to try to get through traffic faster. This does not work and is putting you, your passengers and the occupants of the Emergency Vehicle in danger should you be too close to them if they have to make a sudden stop.

7) Please be courteous and pull over if you notice a vehicle with a blue light flashing behind you. These lights signify a volunteer firefighter is responding to an alarm. Let them pass you so they can get to the firehouse quicker, and can respond to the emergency at hand. After all, they could be responding to an alarm at your house, or to someone you may know.

BARBECUE SAFETY

Summer also is a time when many opt out of cooking in their hot kitchens and break out their barbecue grills. If you follow the National Fire Protection Association's tips below, you can be sure your grilling experience will be a safe one.

Safe Grilling Tips:

1) Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

2) Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.

3) Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

4) Wear snug-fitting, tightly woven short-sleeved clothing. If clothing catches fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll!

Safety Tips for Charcoal Grills:

1) Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources. Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

Safety Tips for Propane Grills:

1) Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

2) If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill. Use only equipment with the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.

The Cutchogue Fire Department would like to wish everyone in our community a very enjoyable and SAFE summer season.