Grilling Safety: How To Prevent Unnecessary Fires

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

Memorial Day weekend is upon us! For many homes throughout the country, this is the unofficial start of Summer...and to Grilling Season!

Americans absolutely love to cook out; three out of five households own a gas grill, which means there will be plenty of tasty meals this Summer. Unfortunately, it also means there is an increased risk of home fires, as well. An average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling each year and nearly half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns. While many people grill year-round, July is the peak month for grill-related fires. Before you fire up the grill, follow these simple times and you will on the way to a safer Summer!

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill 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 grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

CHARCOAL GRILLS

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool 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. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
• If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill.
• If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least five minutes before re-lighting it.

Should you suffer fire damage this Summer, contact SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth at (207)947-0400!  Let us help you make it "Like it never even happened."