Shakopee Snapshot: Summer 2025

Grill smart this summer Tips for safe grilling from Shakopee Fire Grilling season is here, and with it, the potential for fire hazards. While we all love the taste of food cooked outdoors, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved. A moment’s carelessness can lead to serious burns or property damage. Roughly half of grilling injuries are burns, so be sure to keep a heat-resistant holder on hand, as well. These simple safety steps can keep your cookout worry-free: ■ Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors ■ Grills should be placed away from the home and deck railings and not under eaves or overhanging branches ■ Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area ■ Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill ■ Never leave your grill unattended when in use ■ Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it ■ Propane grills: Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year ■ Charcoal grills: After grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container With rising summer temperatures come real, preventable risks like heatstroke and dehydration. Prioritizing safety is crucial. A hot summer day isn’t the time to spon taneously go for a hike and not take time to grab a water bottle and other essentials. All Shakopee firefighters are also trained emergency medical techni cians (EMTs). Take these tips from the EMTs who respond to dozens of calls about heatstroke each year: ■ Limit non-essential strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day – Keep strenuous activity to cooler hours like early morning or later in the evening. Examples of strenuous activity include lawn mowing, intense outdoor exercise, gardening, or even just the labor involved with going to the beach.

Don’t let your campfire make the news Tips for enjoying recreational fires responsibly Whether it’s a backyard fire pit or a campfire under the stars, recreational fires can add a special touch to any outdoor gathering. However, it’s cru cial to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and protect our environment. Here are some tips from Shakopee Fire on how to enjoy a recreational fire without violating city code or unintentionally making the headlines: ■ Recreational fires cannot exceed three feet in diameter and a flame height of approximately three feet ■ Recreational fires should not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure ■ Use only natural, clean-burning wood. No brush, yard, building, household waste or treated wood may be burned ■ A means of controlling or extinguishing the fire must be available at all times – Examples: Buckets, shovels, garden hoses ■ Fires are not allowed by law if winds are in excess of 15 miles per hour or if a total burning ban is in effect ■ Any member of the fire or police department may withdraw permission for recreationa fires due to climatic conditions, extreme dryness, nuisance problems, or violations of the guidelines

Shakopee Fire’s hot takes to stay cool Protect your body from summer heat

■ Seek shade when outdoors and minimize direct sun exposure by wearing lightweight clothing – Clothing designed with built-in SPF and cooling features, as well as sun hats or umbrellas, can be helpful ■ Drink plenty of water or electrolyte fluids; limit caffeine and alcohol ■ Always apply sunscreen before sun exposure, and reapply per the product label instructions ■ Never leave children or pets in an unattended vehicle ■ Check in on others including children, seniors, people with medical conditions, and pets

18 Shakopee Snapshot