NFPA cooks up safe grilling tips (5/1)
In 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year, causing 120 reported injuries and $80 million in direct property damage, according to information from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
NFPA offers the following grilling safety tips:
NFPA offers the following grilling safety tips:
- Gas and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Place the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area: have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill.
- Use long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames.
- Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
- Use only charcoal starter fluid to start a fire.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid to get the fire going.
- Store the charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
- Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame: • Turn off the gas tank and 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 attempt to move the grill.
- Only use equipment bearing the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
- Never store propane gas tanks in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the tank and leave it outside.
- If you have a grill fire, immediately move a safe distance from the fire and call 911.
- Be prepared to keep the fire under control. If it is possible, raise the grid that the food is on, spread the coals out evenly, or adjust the controls to lower the temperature.
- Normal flare-ups can be handled with a cup of water.
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