Let's keep it that way with brushing up on a little grill safety!
Did you know that nearly 9,000 home fires a year involve grills, according to a National Fire Protection Association report.
AND 4 out of 5 home fires involving grills were gas fueled grills.
AND 4 out of 5 home fires involving grills were gas fueled grills.
Here are some tips to stay safe.
- #1 leading factor of gas grill fires was a leak or break, so be sure to check the gas cylinder hose
for leaks before using it for the first time every year.
- If you smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill immediately and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move it.
- Never turn the gas on when the lid is closed!
- When finished cooking, close valve completely!
For those of you who prefer a charcoal flavor:
- Remember charcoal grills remain hot for many hours after flames go out.
- Check for rust damage in metal grills.
- Purchase the proper starter fluid and do not add any once fire has been started.
- Do not leave grill unattended.
- Remember charcoal grills remain hot for many hours after flames go out.
- Check for rust damage in metal grills.
- Purchase the proper starter fluid and do not add any once fire has been started.
- Do not leave grill unattended.
In general:
- Keep your grill on a level surface more than 10 feet from structures.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Watch for any tree limbs too close to the grill.
- Only grill outside!
- Clean your grill after use!
¹ NPFA’s “Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment”, November 2015. http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/appliances-and-equipment/cooking-equipment
² NFPA Cooking Fact Sheet, a PDF accessed from http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/appliances-and-equipment/cooking-equipment
3 https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/safety/grilling-safety-tips.aspx?cm_mmc=FBPAGE-_-18-_-455019415-_-20160524&linkId=24813806