Summer is finally here! The great outdoors, the sunshine, the trips to the cottage with the family–there’s nothing better.

One of the best ways to make sure you and your family has a fun summer is to stay safe. And because we use fuels for lawnmowers, weed trimmers, RVs, ATVs, boats, barbecues and so much more in the summer, it’s important to practice fuel safety.

Follow these tips to make sure you and your family has the best summer yet!

1. Don’t store gasoline or other fuels in your basement, whether you’re at your house or your cottage. Your basement isn’t ventilated very well, and fumes can build up and become dangerous.

2. Store your fuels in approved containers (approved by the CSA or ULC), properly labelled, and in your garage or shed. Make sure they’re out of reach of children and animals.

3. When filling up containers with fuel, only fill them 90 percent of the way to leave room for expansion.

4. Check your recreational vehicles and other gas-powered equipment for leaks and damage before you use them. Make sure any hoses for fuels are attached properly and haven’t come apart over the winter.

5. Keep fuels away from sparks, ignition sources, and out of direct sunlight and heat. Fuels are highly flammable and combustible.

6. Got some leftover fuel you don’t need anymore? Don’t ever pour gasoline or other fuels onto the ground, down sewers or into drains. If you have a small amount, you can leave the container open outside (out of reach of children and pets, of course) to evaporate. Otherwise, always dispose of fuels at a hazardous waste disposal area.

7. Keep a fire extinguisher handy whenever running gas-powered equipment. Water will only make it worse if fuel catches fire.

Bryan’s Fuel wishes you and your family and safe and happy summer!