Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor grills. More than 8,000 Americans are injured every year by fireworks and grill fires. More than half of these injuries occur during the first week of July.

Outside cooking grills annually cause more than 6,000 fires, 5 or more fatalities, more than 170 injuries and $35-million in property loss. Gas grills alone cause over 2,700 fires, 80 injuries and $11-million damage. Most of the gas grill fires and explosions are caused by gas leaks, blocked tubes and overfilled propane tanks.

In addition to outdoor cooking, improper use of fireworks causes more than 6,000 fires and more than $8-million in damage.

Families also enjoy camping in the summer. It is important to follow the park's rules for the use and extinguishing of campfires.

Summertime should be a time for fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.

• Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line; make sure the venturi tubes — where the air and gas mix — are not blocked
• Do not overfill the propane tank
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue
• Be careful when using lighter fluid; do not add fluid to an already-lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children; teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately
• Always supervise children around outdoor grills
• Dispose of hot coals properly, by dousing them with plenty of water and stirring them to ensure that the fire is out; never place hot coals in plastic, paper or wooden containers
• Never grill or barbecue in an enclosed area; dangerous level s of carbon monoxide could be produced
• Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention

• Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves
• Keep campfires small, and don't let them get out of hand
• Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you're done — after dousing, stir it and douse it with water again
• Never leave campfires unattended

• The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks
• If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area
• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass
• Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby, and be sure you know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly
• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks
• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks
• If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it — put it out with water and dispose of it
• Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks; if a device is not marked with the contents, directions and a warning label, do not light it
• Supervise children around fireworks at all times