The summer may be coming to an end with school starting back up soon, but that doesn’t mean that grilling season is over! On the 
contrary, Labor Day and football season on the horizon means that grills across the country are just getting fired up for the “meat” of their season.
As with any activity involving fires, lighter fluids, or propane gas, extreme caution must be taken anytime you are using a grill. Grilling out can be a fun family activity but can also put your loved ones in serious danger if you are not taking proper safety precautions.
According to a 2018 study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 9,600 home fires are started by grills each year, on average. Furthermore, 16,600 patients went to the ER per year because of injuries involving grills including 8,2000 thermal burns.
Here are three safety reminders for your next BBQ
- General Grilling Safety
- All grilling should take place outside and at least 10 feet away from any home or building, the further away from the building the better. Never conduct grilling activities inside.
- Ensure that all children are supervised at all times around the grill, and never let children touch any starter fluids, hot coals, or propane gas.
- Keep your grill clean by removing the grease after each use once the grill is completely cooled down.
- If you are using a charcoal grill, do not remove the coals until they are completely cooled and then dispose of them in a metal container.
- Take Precautions Before Grilling
If you’re using a gas grill, check all hoses and the propane tank before grilling. Make sure that there are no loose hoses or damage to the tank. Regularly inspect your hoses and the tank for leaks.
You can check the hose for leaks by using a simple soap and water solution. Using a brush or spray bottle, put the soapy water solution on the entire hose, and then turn the propane tank on. If you see large bubbles coming off of the hose in any location, it could mean that you have a leak in that spot. If there is a leak, immediately turn off the gas, and call a professional to have the equipment serviced.
If at any time during the grilling process you smell gas even though you have turned off the tank, you should move away from the tank and call the fire department.
- During Grilling Safety
- If you experience a flare-up while you are grilling, move your meat or veggies to a cooler spot on the grill and close the lid to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire.
- If at any time you smell gas, turn off the tank and burners.
- Do not let unsupervised children near the fire at any time. In a study conducted by the NFPA, kids under the age of five accounted for an average of 1,600 of 4,500 thermal non-fire grill burns. The association warns that the burns typically occurred when a child bumped into, touched or fell on the grill, grill part or hot coals.
- If you have a charcoal grill and use starter fluid, only use charcoal designated starter fluid.
We know that backyard BBQs are a staple during this time of year and anytime there are friends and family around it’s easy to get carried away and distracted during these events. For your own safety, and the safety of those around you, we hope that you exercise caution throughout the busy grilling season.
References:
F. (2018, July 23). Beat the Heat: 12 Summer Safety Tips. Retrieved from https://statefarm.com/simple-insights/family/beat-the-heat-summer-safety-tips?&cmpid=enews:8844:21099000100020180711&A=YXTMQ1YS000&C=WWTV33M533G
Grilling safety tips. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Cooking/Grilling/Grilling-safety-tips
Grilling. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2018, from https://nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Cooking/Grilling
