Grilling safety tips, NFPA
Grilling Safety
There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular
ways to cook food. But, a grill placed too close to anything that can
burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries.
Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.
SAFETY TIPS
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Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be
used outdoors.
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The grill should be placed well away from the
home, deck railings and out from under eaves and
overhanging branches.
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Keep children and pets at least three feet away
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Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat
buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
from the grill area.
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Never leave your grill unattended.
Propane Grills
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Check the gas tank hose for leaks
before using it for the first time each
year. Apply a light soap and water
solution to the hose. A propane leak will
release bubbles. If 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 move the grill.
CHARCOAL GRILLS
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There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to
use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start
the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
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If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter
fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other
flammable liquids to the fire.
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Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and
away from heat sources.
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There are also electric charcoal starters, which do
not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for
outdoor use.
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When you are finished grilling, let the coals
completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Facts
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July is the peak month for
grill fires.
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More than half of home grill
structure fires begin on either
a courtyard terrace or patio,
or an exterior balcony
or open porch.
-
Roughly half of the injuries
involving grills are thermal
burns.
steve!
www.nfpa.org/education
