Grilling Safety Tips for Your North Durham Home

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

The leading cause of home grilling fires are failure to clean the grill and leaks in gas/propane grills.

For many families, Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of the summer season. Grilling competitions and plenty of family gatherings are on the horizon. This also means the increase for fires. While NFPA cites July as the month with the highest number of outdoor grilling fires, May is the second highest month.

SERVPRO® of North Durham wants you to enjoy yourself and have a safe summer season. Here are some stats, do’s and don’ts for grilling.

Grill Facts

• July is the peak month for grilling fires.
• 16,600 people went to the emergency room in 2014 due to grilling related injuries.
• 19% of all fires are due to a failure to clean the grill.
• 23% of outside and unclassified grill fires were due to leaks or breaks
• Gas grills pose a greater fire hazard than charcoal grills.

Don’t

Use a Grill Indoors

            Even small tabletop grills need to be utilized outside. Grills release the deadly colorless, odorless gas called carbon monoxide. They are also a fire hazard. Only use electric grills marked safe for indoor usage inside.

Turn on the Gas While The Lid Is Closed

            This can cause the gas to build up inside the grill. Once you light the grill and then open it there is the potential for it to explode, causing serious injury.

Overload Your Grill with Food

            While it may be tempting especially when feeding a large gathering, overcrowding the grill with fatty items can cause large fire flares.

Leave the Grill Unattended

            Have all your prep work ready so when you are grilling  you do not have to leave the area. Fires double in size every minute. Catching a fire early is key to keeping it from spreading.

Do

Check for Propane Leaks

            When using your grill for the first time after the winter season, you should check your gas and propane grill for leaks. Simply apply a light soap and water solution to the hose and then turn on the gas. If there is a leak in the hose, the soap solution will bubble. Leaks are also evident by a flame that refuses to light or the smell of gas.

Keep Your Grill Clean

            Dirty grills are one of the leading causes of home grilling fires. Be sure to remove grease and any buildup from the grill and in the tray below the grill. Charcoal grill users should allow the coals to cool completely before disposing of coals and ashes.

Place Your Grill on Stable Ground

            The grill should be level on a flat surface.

Wait to Re-Light

            If the flame goes out, turn off the grill and the gas, then wait a minimum of five minutes before re-lighting it.

Have a Safe And Enjoyable Summer

These home grilling safety tips can help prevent fire, injuries, and damage to property. If disaster does strike, SERVPRO® of North Durham is always here, 24/7.

Source: http://www.nfpa.org/