The time between July 4th and Labor Day are the most popular grilling months, and correspondingly, there are more injuries and fires due to grilling accidents. Since Labor Day right around the corner, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind.
About 2/3 of American households own at least one outdoor barbecue, grill, or smoker. Interestingly, gas grills contribute to more fires than charcoal grills. Also, there are over 10,600 home fires started by grills each year.
While grilling is associated with celebrations, good food, fun, and friends, it is important to make sure that accidents don't interrupt your activities. Below are a few things to keep in mind when getting ready to grill out this weekend.
Only use BBQ grills outdoors and in ventilated areas
Place the grill away from home or anything that could be flammable
Keep grill stable
Keep the fire under control
Keep children away from the grill
Never leave the grill unattended
The grill lid should always be open before lighting it.
Grease should not be allowed to build up in the grill
Use long-handled utensils
Gas/Propane
Check the tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year by using a light soapy water solution to see if bubbles appear.
You should not smell gas when the grill is lit. Move away from the grill and call the fire department.
If the flame goes out, turn off the gas for 15 minutes and open the lid before re-lighting it.
Charcoal
Never add any starter fluid or other flammable liquid to a fire
Only use charcoal starter fluid and not gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid.
Keep starter fluid away from heat sources and out of reach of children.
Electric starters have a coil that ignites the charcoal.
When finished cooking, close off the grill vents to suffocate the fire and save some of the remaining charcoal.
We hope you have a relaxing, fun, and safe time with friends and family this holiday weekend.