Barbecue/Grilling Safety
Grilling and barbecues during the summer months are standard summer activities for many U.S. families. However, grilling can be a dangerous activity, causing some 6,000 fires (costing $35 million in property damages) yearly.
illustration: Ian Keusink
Follow the following tips for safe barbecue usage:*
- Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
- Do not overfill the propane tank.
- Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
- Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
- Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
- Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
- Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
- Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.
Did You Know?
In a study cited by the U.S. Fire Administration, it was found that the most common reason for the ignition of grill fires was mechanical failure. The next most common causes of unwanted grill fires were: (1) leaving the grill unattended; (2) grilling near combustible materials; (3) having improper control of open flames.*
**Info derived from U.S. Fire Administration