Stay Ready: End Summer Safely

Gearing up for Labor Day activities? If you're considering throwing something on the grill, make sure you know these safety tips to prevent unnecessary injury or damage. For any recreational fire, ensure a fire extinguisher and garden hose are readily available and keep children and pets at least three feet away from the area. Never leave your grill unattended.

Charcoal Grills

• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Use an extension cord for outdoor use with electric charcoal starters.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.

Propane Grills

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately move away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
• If the flame goes out, turn off the grill and gas and wait at least 5 minutes before reigniting it.

Resources

The City of Charlotte provides services and resources year-round. The information you need may be one click away. 

For many households, the end of summer means cleaning garages, completing household projects and preparing for cookouts. It's important to know how to properly dispose of household waste, especially hazardous waste materials like paint, batteries and grease. Certain types of household hazardous waste can cause physical injury to sanitation workers and contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if improperly disposed of. If left around the house, they can also present hazards to children and pets. Follow all instructions for use and storage on product labels carefully to prevent accidents at home.

What is hazardous waste?

Common items include:

• Household chemicals
• Lawn and garden products
• Rechargeable batteries
• Cosmetics
• Medicines

 

Where should I dispose?

Most household hazardous waste can be taken to one of the Mecklenburg County full-service recycling facilities listed below. Rechargeable (lithium) batteries should be taken to Lowe's, Home Depot or The Bike Source Charlotte.

• Compost Central Disposal and Recycling Center
• Foxhole Disposal and Recycling Center
• Hickory Grove Disposal and Recycling Center
• North Mecklenburg Disposal and Recycling Center

 

Resources

The City of Charlotte provides services and resources year-round. The information you need may be one click away.  

Whether you need help after a road incident or want to replace your garbage cart, city services are just one call away. Knowing who to call in any situation matters when time matters. 911 is Charlotte’s emergency call center, connecting people to police, fire or emergency medical services. Dial 911 for emergencies, like a fire, downed power lines or serious injury. CharMeck 311 serves as a customer contact center, providing information and services for residents in the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Dial 311 for non-emergency city services, like inquiring about road closures or reporting a pothole. It keeps 911 free for time-sensitive emergencies and gets you the right information or solution as quickly as possible.

Make the Right Call

Call 911 if:

• You need to report a medical emergency
• You need to report downed power lines
• You need to report a fire

Call 311 if:

• You need to schedule a bulky item pickup
• You need information about city services
• You need to report a pothole

Resources

The City of Charlotte provides services and resources year-round. The information you need may be one click away. 

Seasonal shifts mean an increase in severe weather-related risks, but Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management (CMEMO) want to help you take steps to stay ready no matter what comes. This year, researchers expect six to nine hurricanes, with the possibility of two to three becoming major hurricanes. During these storms, flooding is Charlotte’s biggest risk.

Best Practices for Severe Weather

Make a plan.

It starts with knowing what to do, where to go, and what you need to protect yourself from severe weather and its effects.

Build a kit.

CMEMO has a full list of items to include. Start with emergency supplies such as flashlights and extra batteries. Be sure to include important medications and a first aid kit.

Stay informed.

Sign up for CharMeck Alerts to receive timely and accurate emergency information regarding weather conditions, including flood updates.

Resources

The City of Charlotte provides services and resources year-round. The information you need may be one click away.