Barbeque safety tips for a safe grilling season
Because gas and charcoal grills cause an average of 1,500 structure fires and 4,800 outdoor fires in or on home properties according to National Fire Protection Agency, extra precaution will make your summer barbeque season a safe one.
- When using barbeque grills on decks or patios, keep them well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves or overhanging branches.
- Always supervise a barbeque grill when in use and do not leave unattended around children and pets.
- Locate barbeque grills away from foot traffic and play areas.
- Use only charcoal starter fluids with charcoal grills designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit. Reseal and put away the can. Light the coals carefully, avoiding the flame flare-up. Store the can out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
- With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. You can apply soapy water to the hoses to easily and safely reveal any leaks.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill repaired by a professional, if necessary.
- Always use barbeque grills for outside cooking. 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.
- 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.
- Always use long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames while cooking.
- When disposing of used charcoal briquettes, make sure they are cool before discarding. If you must remove the ashes from the barbeque, make sure they are cool or put them into a non-flammable container such as a metal bucket. Water may be added to cool the ashes, remembering to stay back away from potential hot steam. Do not leave hot ashes unattended. House fires have been caused by hot ashes which later ignited when left on a deck or porch.
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Updated: July 15, 2008
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by Whatcom County Fire District #14.
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