Learn about grilling safety and fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims of the Southern tornadoes and flooding. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

1. Health and Safety Podcast May 18, 2011

2. Topics May 18, 2011: Grilling safety. Fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims of the Southern tornadoes and flooding.

3. Grilling Safety Grill fires cause an estimated average of 10 deaths, 100 injuries and $37 million in property loss each year nationwide. Almost half of grill fires on residential properties occur from 5 to 8 p.m. 32 percent of all grill fires occur in May, June, July and August.

4. Grilling Safety Grills, hibachis and barbeques on residential properties continue to be a high fire risk and,on average, result inmore injuries andslightly higher dollarlosses when comparedto all other fires.

5. Grilling Safety Grills should be placed at least 15 feet from any home, building or combustibles. Charcoal must be kept dry. Wet charcoal can spontaneously ignite. Spare propane bottles should be stored outside away from the home.

6. Grilling Safety Keep children and pets away from the grill. Grills continue to give off heat long after cooking has stopped. Never place hot ashes in paper or plastic bags or containers. Only use metal containers for hot ashes.

7. Grilling Safety Use Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved electrical starters in place of lighter fluid. Never use a grill on apartment or condominium balconies. This is one of the biggest dangers with grills. It is unsafe and against the law. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fr

8. Scams The Federal Bureau of Investigation and National Center for Disaster Fraud remind residents to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims.

9. Scams Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming emails, including clicking links contained within those messages; they may contain viruses. Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as members of charitable organizations or officials asking for donations via email or social networks.

10. Scams Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities. Rather than follow a purported link to a website, verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations using various Internet-based resources to assist in confirming the group’s existence and its nonprofit status.

11. Scams Do not be pressured into making contributions; reputable charities do not use such tactics. Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.

12. Scams Legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services. Most legitimate charities’ websites end in .org rather than .com.

13. Scams If you suspect a fraudulent scheme, report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, emails can be sent to disaster@leo.gov.

14. Scams You can also report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent websites to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov. More info is also available from the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer/education

15. Additional Information www.fairfaxcounty.gov www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency 9-1-1 – Emergency police, fire, medical. 703-691-2131 – Non-emergency.