Outdoor grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook food. But a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Consider the following tips to help you on your way to safe grilling.
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS:
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used OUTDOORS.
• Grills should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets AT LEAST three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.
• NEVER leave your grill unattended.
PROPANE GRILLS:
• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
• Leaks can be located by application of a soapy solution to the hose and fittings.
o A leak can be located by looking for bubbles in the applied solution.
• If you find a leak or smell propane leaking, turn off the gas tank and the grill.
o If the leak stops, have your grill serviced by a professional prior to use.
o If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• Always make sure your GAS GRILL LID IS OPEN before lighting the grill.
CHARCOAL GRILLS:
• Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as fuel.
• If you use starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. NEVER ADD starter fluid or any other flammable liquids to burning fire.
• Store charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are electric charcoal starters that can be used to start a charcoal grill. Be sure to use an extension cord to start your grill outside.
• Always use charcoal grills outside due to the production of CARBON MONOXIDE in the smoke.
• When finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing them in a metal container.
ACCORDING TO NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION 2019-2024 STATISTICS: There was an average of 9,287 home gas grill fires per year.
An average of 21,682 patients per year went to emergency rooms due to injuries involving grills.
More than one-quarter of grill structure fires started on an exterior balcony or open porch.