Most of us love to grill outside, and the season is upon us!
But did you know:
- Outdoor cooking fires are responsible for nearly 8,200 home fires,
- Fifteen unnecessary fatalities, and many more injuries annually!
Here are a few safety tips from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to follow:
- 1. Clean your grill regularly.
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- If your grill does not get used during the off-season, insects or small animals could have found a dark secluded home in your grill or under the cover. Also, buildup of cooking grease, especially if from year to year, is very flammable and should be removed regularly. Pay close attention to the inlet to the burner tube, the gas hose, as well as any broken parts or rusty areas.
- 2. Always close the valve on propane cylinders when not actually cooking.
- Newer cylinders do not allow gas to flow thru a faulty connection, however, it is best to be proactive and shut the cylinder valve between uses.
- 3. Store, carry, and transport cylinders in the upright position.
- Propane cylinders should always be transported in the trunk of a vehicle and secured so they cannot roll around or be dislodged in the event of a minor crash. Follow the specific instructions at the filling or exchange station you use when you need more gas. Also, never store propane cylinders in your home. The very last thing we want is a cylinder contributing to a residential fire.
- 4. When reconnecting the hose from your propane cylinder to your grill, again, ensure a tight seal.
- If you observe a white fog, or an overpowering odor of gas, you may have a leak. If closing the cylinder valve and tightening the hose fitting does not eliminate the leak it is probably best to call 9-1-1.
For the traditionalists who use charcoal!
- 1. If you use lighter fluid, use only charcoal lighter fluid.
- Never add fluid after you have anything ignited.
- 2. Always use long matches or a long-tipped butane grill igniter
- This will help to avoid burning your fingers with propane, lighter fluid, or a charcoal chimney.
- 3. If you use an electric charcoal igniter,
- ALWAYS plug the device into a grounded electrical outlet.
All grills should be operated far away from your home and out of high-traffic areas especially those accessible to children and pets. Sadly, one-fifth of all cooking related burns nationally, happen to children under the age of 5 years old.
Have a happy and safe grilling season!
