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As
summer rapidly approaches, the Clark County Department
of Development Services would like to remind residents
of a few simple safety measures to ensure everybody
enjoys outdoor activities at home safely and accident
free.
“With
the temperature quickly on the rise, outdoor
recreational use of grills, pools and porches naturally
increases,” said Ron Lynn, the building official for Clark
County. “It is extremely important that residents
remember safety and make it a high priority. A
simple assessment of your grill, balcony, or pool prior
to use could save you and your family from any potential
crisis.”
To
ensure your outdoor activity stays fun and accident
free, check porches, decks and balconies for common
safety hazards and repair any defects to code.
According to the International Code Council, common
hazards that should be immediately addressed include:
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Split
or rotting wood
-
Wobbly
handrails or guardrails
-
Loose,
missing or rusting anchors, nails or screws
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Missing,
damaged or loose support beams and planking
-
Poor
end support of the porch deck, joists or beams
-
Excessive
movement/swaying of the structure when walked on
-
Structures
nailed to buildings rather than attached with proper
anchors or bolts
Building
or repairing to code requires obtaining a building
permit from your local building department prior to
construction, followed by an inspection once your
project is complete. Building permits allow
building department staff to review your construction
plans to ensure the plans are drawn to code and that
minimum safety standards are met. And building
inspections are important to ensure completed projects
are constructed according to approved plans, ultimately
providing a safe environment for you and your family to
live, play and have fun.
The
building codes governing Clark County can be downloaded for free from Development Services’
Web site at www.accessclarkcounty.com/development_services.
After
you’ve assessed and fixed to code any defects in your
porch, deck or balcony, a few simple precautions when
grilling can also ensure your summer barbeques go off
without a hitch. According to the National Fire
Protection Association, “gas and charcoal grills
caused an average of 1,000 structure fires and 3,400
outdoor fires in or on home properties in 2001.”
The
Home Safety Council suggests taking the following
precautionary measures when barbequing:
-
Keep
kids and pets away from the grill until it’s
completely cooled
-
Only
use starter fluid meant for barbeque grills
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Keep
the grill at least three feet from all objects,
including the house and outdoor plants
-
Check
gas grills for leaks prior to usage, but never use a
match to search for leaks
-
Never
barbeque indoors
These
simple precautions will avoid putting not just you and
your family in danger, but your visitors and neighbors
as well.
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