HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 22 EFD_MemorialDaySafety
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Eidsness, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 • Fax 952-826-0389 • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Fire Reminds Residents to Have a Safe Memorial Day
Weekend
Edina, Minn., May 22, 2018 – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the long-awaited summer
season across Minnesota. Edina Fire Department officials want to remind residents about a few important
safety items to check off their holiday to-do list.
Here are some important safety tips to remember when using the grill:
• Only use a grill outside and be sure it’s at least 3 feet from any siding, deck rails or eaves. Keep kids
and pets out of this 3-foot area around the grill.
• Be sure to keep your grill clean. Remove the grease and give it a cleaning after each use to reduce the
chances of starting a fire.
• If you are using a gas grill, open the lid before lighting.
• For those using charcoal grills, place ashes in a metal container once they have cooled and keep them
away from the house or deck.
• Keep an eye on your grill and do not walk away from it once it is lit.
When cooking inside, never leave the food unattended. Cooking is the leading cause of fires across Minnesota
and the nation. In 2016, cooking fires accounted for 45 percent of the structure fires across the state. The top
three factors in those fires were unattended equipment, having combustibles too close and equipment that
was accidentally turned on or not turned off after use.
“A few simple steps will make your holiday gathering a safer one,” said Fire Marshal Rick Hammerschmidt.
“We want to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.”
For additional fire safety information, visit EdinaMN.gov/Fire.
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