Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kick-off to summer, but before you break out the burgers and fire up the grill, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) would like to remind you practice safe grilling.
Outdoor grills contribute to an average of 8,300 house fires annually, according to a 2012 NFPA report. It is important to remember that all grills pose a risk for fires and burns. Hanna Storm, anchor for ESPNSportsCenter, knows this all to well after being severely burned in a grill fire late last year.
Recently, Storm worked with NFPA to record several shorts videos to share her story and to help raise awareness for grilling safety in hopes of helping others avoid similar incidents.
In addition to a PSA by Storm, NFPA offers these tips for grilling safety:
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before igniting it.
- 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.
- If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it.
Charcoal grills
- 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.
- If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
- Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
- There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/grilling.