Yard and Garden Work

Do it! It will be fun and you will be proud of the results of your hard work, but don't forget that nearly 250,000 people are treated each year for injuries related to electrical accidents as a result of lawn and garden tools and other power equipment. Always check the power cords. Be sure the cord or equipment or toll has a ground fault interrupter (GFCI). Also, always make sure that power cords are rated for outdoor use and have the capacity to run the tool.

If the tool or equipment becomes jammed, always — ALWAYS — unplug the power source. If the power equipment is gas powered, also remove the spark plug wire before you start cleaning the jam.

Can't Wait to Start Up the Grill?

If you use charcoal, NEVER use gasoline. If you use charcoal lighter fuel, be very, very careful also. Too much can make the fire start very fast and burn very high flames. 

If you use liquid propane gas, always check your gas supply lines and hoses. Check inside the grill area, and make sure no one has made a nest, like bees or mice. Always — ALWAYS — keep your grill away from combustibles — that includes your home, your car and dry vegetation in the area. When the grill is lit, always stay with it. Always store your unused 20-lbs. gas tank outside. Never store inside a garage or shed.

Refilling stations do not have to refill your propane tank if it does not have an overfill protection device (OPD). If your tank was purchased after October 1998, it has an OPD valve. Tanks made before October 1998 do not have OPD valves.

The following propane supply companies will dispose of your old 20-lbs. propane tank for a nominal fee of $5: Leahy's Gas, Hocon Gas, Mitchell Fuel Co. and Richard T. Layton Co. We are also planning to have sites in different towns where tanks can be dropped off for the same fee of $5.

If you have any questions, please call the Fire Marshal's Office or your local propane fuel supply company.