"We want families to enjoy their summers and not be plagued by some of the most common safety mistakes associated with the summer season," said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. "Kids and their friends are home more during the summer, so you want to make sure your house is prepared for the increase in activity and guests. We want families to be aware of their summertime surroundings and take the necessary precautions to ensure family and guests are safe from potential injuries these areas can cause."

The Home Safety Council recommends the public be particularly aware of potential dangers associated with grilling, pools and lawn care.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, gas and charcoal grills cause an average of 1,500 structure fires and 4,800 outdoor fires in or on home properties. The association recommends some simple outdoor grilling tips to keep family cookouts safe.

Make sure the grill is positioned well away from siding and deck railings and is out from under eaves and any overhanging branches. The grill should be placed a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. It's a good idea to declare the grilling area a "kid-free zone" until the grill has cooled down entirely.

The backyard chef should use long-handled grilling tools to give plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers. If using a charcoal grill, use the proper starter fluid and make sure to store the can out of reach of children and away from heat sources. If using a propane grill, check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it and repair any leaking fuel lines before using the grill.

When finished cooking, keep an eye on the grill until it is completely cooled. Charcoal can be soaked with water to speed the cooling process, but use extreme caution to avoid the steam and splatters that can cause burns.

Finally, never use a propane or charcoal barbecue grill indoors—they are a fire hazard indoors and can expose occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

Before throwing the hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, many homeowners work hard in the backyard mowing the lawn and taking care of landscaping to prepare for parties and barbecues. Yardwork can cause accidents, so the Home Safety Council recommends some tips for an injury-free experience.

Wear protective goggles and ear protection while using outdoor machinery to prevent sight and hearing-loss injuries. Keep all garden tools out of children's reach and store them with tines, blades or spikes pointing downward. Clear sidewalks and pathways of any toys and clutter to avoid slips and falls.

Fuel mowers outside and only when the motor is completely cool. If necessary, store small quantities of gasoline outside the home in a detached garage or shed, tightly sealed in an approved safety container and out of the sight and reach of children. Start the mower outdoors to avoid raising carbon monoxide levels inside the home or garage.

Store pesticides in their original containers and out of the reach of children, and only mix and store pesticides in containers not used for eating or drinking.

If there is a pool in the backyard, it's important to make sure all safety issues are addressed before family and friends take a dip on hot summer days.

Backyard pools should be fenced in with a self-latching gate so children can't accidentally wander into the pool area. Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution.

Be careful when using inflatable pool toys and rafts, since they can deflate. Non-swimmers should not use them in water over their heads. When not in use, pool toys should be kept away from the pool area since a child could drown while trying to get a toy that has fallen in the water.

It's important to teach children that fittings, drains and grates are not toys and they should never stick their fingers or toes in them. Of course, it's a good idea to use plasticware instead of glassware in the pool area.

The most important thing to remember is that these precautions are no substitute for constant adult supervision of children around any body of water, large or small.

"It only takes a few minutes to practice these simple summer safety tips," said Appy.