Tips for Safe Summer Grilling

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Safe Summer Grilling

The aroma and taste of grilled food signals the arrival of summer.  With Memorial Day weekend quickly approaching, now is a good time to review tips for safe grilling.  According to statistics listed on the National Fire Protection Association website 7 out of 10 adults own a grill.  Between 2014 and 2018 fire departments responded to an average of 8900 fire calls involving grills with 3900 being structure fires.  Safety is essential to prevent accidental injury, property damage and even death.  Follow these simple tips to assure all your grilling events will have a favorable and safe outcome.

• All grilling, with charcoal or propane should be done outside and safely away from structures that could catch fire to include the house, deck railing, eaves of home and overhanging branches.
• Open grill cover before lighting
• Practice safety with lighter fluid. Do not use too much, and when lighting do not get too close, use a newspaper or paper to safely keep distance.
• Only use charcoal lighter fluid to start coals. Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid.
• Keep children and pets a minimum of three feet away from the grill.
• Never leave the grill unattended.
• Always make sure your grill is cleaned of all fat and grease to prevent excessive flames.
• If you have a propane grill, make sure there are no leaks in the tank or connections.
• Never leave the grill unattended
• Allow coals to completely cool before removing them. Place removed, cooled down coals into a metal can for proper disposal.