Westmont, Illinois – Date Issued: April 4, 2023

The Westmont Fire Department wants to share some safety tips for our citizens to keep in mind.

May Is National Child Passenger Safety Month

• Buckle all children ages 12 and younger seated in the back seat
• Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an airbag
• Buckle children in car seats, booster seats, or seat belts on every trip—no matter how short
• Set a good example and help protect everyone in the car by always using a seat belt
• Make sure to use the right car seat in the right way, visit safekids.com for more info

FREE CAR SEAT INSTALLATION PROGRAM
Residents can also take advantage of the Westmont Car Seat Installation Program. This program provides assistance to residents regarding how to properly install a car seat or make sure your existing car seat is correctly installed. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Westmont Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 630-981-6402.

June is National Grilling Safety Month

• Only use propane and charcoal BBQ grills outdoors
• Place outdoor grills well away from the home, eaves, deck railings, and overhanging branches
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill
• Never leave your grill unattended
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it

PROPANE GRILL SAFETY
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using your propane grill for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, identified by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak continues, call 9-1-1.  Also, if you ever smell gas while cooking, immediately move away from the grill and call 9-1-1.

Home Fire Escape Plan

• Make sure your family has a home fire escape plan and that all members of the household are aware of this plan
• Identify two ways out of every room in your home in case one exit is blocked or dangerous to use 
• Practice getting low and moving to your exits in case there is smoke
• Choose a meeting place that is a safe distance from your home
• Schedule and practice a home fire drill at least twice a year

As always…

For more information regarding fire safety, please contact the Westmont Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 630-981-6402.

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