The Electrical Safety Foundation International provides an important reminder that electrical safety is an issue outside of your home as well as inside. Fortunately they have a useful flyer and an excellent blog post with additional tips and information to help you avoid outdoor electrical hazards.

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Memorial Weekend is a great time for BBQs, camping and just about every other outdoor activity. We hope you are lucky enough to get outdoors this Memorial Day, but we wanted to remind you of a few safety tips, to keep your home or campground fire free. Cal Fire is increasing its staffing for the weekend, due to increased fire danger thanks to high winds and the chance of lightning in the highest elevations of the Sierras.

Barbecuing

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are almost 9,000 home fires caused by grilling every year. So please take a couple minutes to watch this short TODAY show clip on keeping your grill safe by checking for gas leaks, and ensuring the grill isn’t too close to the side of your home.

Camping

If you plan to go camping, the U.S. Forest Service offers the following fire information:
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Just in time for fire season, make sure you and your family head out to the Fire Awareness Fair and Drive-Thru BBQ! This event will be held on Saturday, June 4th, from 1 pm – 4pm at the Vons parking lot in Oakhurst.  Come speak directly to fire experts and more, and make sure you grab some delicious trip-tip BBQ.

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A new study published by scientists at the University of Vermont and Oregon State University had some counterintuitive findings about outbreaks from insects like the bark beetle. The study found that these insect outbreaks can significantly reduce the severity of wildfire in a region.

From Science Magazine: [Read more…]