Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When Planning Backyard Fun This Summer

Summer holidays and warmer weather call for spending quality time with family and friends outside — from sizzling barbecue to all-day lounging to refreshing dips in the pool. Before gathering with loved ones at home for some fun in the sun, the City’s Fire Prevention Bureau and Code Enforcement Division are reminding residents of important safety tips and requirements for outdoor grilling; decks, porches and balconies; and swimming pools. 

May is Deck Safety Month 

Now is the time to have decks, balconies and porches inspected to help make sure they’re in sound condition before heavy seasonal use.

Code Enforcement suggests property owners and/or property managers have these structures inspected annually by a licensed professional (for example, a certified home inspector, deck builder, general contractor or engineer), and that all necessary repairs are completed in a timely manner. In most cases, inspections are only required and conducted during the initial construction of these structures, so regular inspections are especially important as they are often built with materials that weather and deteriorate over time.  

For more information, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/DeckSafety.

Effective Pool Barriers Help Keep Children Safe 

Pool owners have special responsibilities to help ensure a safe environment by complying with state and City codes intended to prevent children from accessing swimming pools.  

An effective pool barrier prevents children from going over, under or through the barrier, and keeps them from accessing the pool when supervising adults are not present. Specific requirements address in-ground and above-ground pools, and the type and size of safety barriers. Having effective safety barriers in place also applies to hot tubs and spas.  

Resources on these code requirements and guidelines are available at VirginiaBeach.gov/PoolSafety.  

Grill Like a Pro

July is the peak month for grill fires (15%), followed by June (14%), May (13%) and August (12%), according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Learn these simple tips to help you grill safely and like a pro.  

Safety Tips 

• For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use in the months ahead.Watch NFPA’s video on how to check for leaks. 
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. 
• Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. 
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area. 
• If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container. 
• Never leave your grill unattended when in use. 

Find more grilling tips at the NFPA website. 

Planning to go camping or grill at a park or camp site? Learn more about outdoor safety: 

• Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs and anything that can burn. 
• Use chimneys, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits outdoors at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn. 
• Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to keep sparks from floating out. 
• Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard. 

Find more resources on outdoor fire safety at the U.S. Fire Administration website. 

Visit the Virginia Beach Fire Department’s life safety education website to find fire and life safety education resources. 

• Deck Safety
• Pool Safety
• Fire and Life Safety Education