Lots of barbecues are happening this weekend. It’s is no better time to pass along some grill safety tips to make sure your party is fun and incident free. Here are some statistics to illustrate the point.
From 2013-2017, grills, hibachis and barbecues were involved in 10,200 home fires per year. These fires were responsible for at least 10 deaths, 160 reported injuries, and $123 million in property damage. July (17%) is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June (14%), May (13%) and August (12%), according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Always use propane and charcoal grills outside
- Place the grill away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches
- 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 grill and the tray below the grill
- Never leave the grill unattended
- Always make sure your gas lid is open before lighting it
- Get your charcoal ready by using charcoal chimney starters which allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as fuel
- Only use charcoal starter fuel. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire
- Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from the heat source
- If using an electric charcoal starter, be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use
Follow these tips provided by Danielle Ling at Property/Casualty 360 for a safe and happy barbecue.