| Every year Americans look forward to
summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July.
Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to outdoor cooking and
recreational fires. Annually, there are almost 3,800 Americans injured by gas
or charcoal grill fires. (Source: CPSC)
Summertime
should be a time of fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety
tips and following safety instructions will help everyone have a safe summer. Grill Safety
·
Propane
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 toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
·
Position
the grill well away from siding, deck railing, 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 from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe
zone" around the grill.
·
Put
out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance
from heat and flames when cooking.
·
Periodically
remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited
by a hot grill.
Charcoal Grills
·
Purchase
the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat
sources.
·
Never
add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited,
and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter
fluid to get the fire going.
Propane Grills
·
Check
the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each
year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping
propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
·
If
you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and
there is no flame:
·
Turn
off the propane 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.
·
All
propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection
devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached,
limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up.
OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.
·
Use
only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow
the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
·
Never
store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill
inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.
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