United States Fire Administration Offers Outdoor Grill Safety Tips |
By Firefighter Mark Robertson Sr. | |
July 3, 2016 | |
Warm weather means the increased use of both charcoal and propane fueled cooking grills. With over 57 percent of America's estimated 5,700 annual grill fires occurring between May and August, the United States Fire Administration (USFA) has begun a campaign to help prevent injury and property damage caused by outdoor grill fires. Over 3,800 people are injured each year as a result of charcoal and propane gas grill fires. 49 percent of residential grill fires occur between 5-8 pm and 32 percent of these fires occur on patios, terraces, screened-in porches, and courtyards. By following some of the tips listed below these numbers can be great reduced in years to come. 1. 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. 2. Charcoal Grills Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources. 3. 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. Outdoor cooking is one of the highlights of the warm weather season and should be enjoyed by everyone. Don't let faulty or improperly placed equipment turn your good time into sad occasion. By using the tips listed above you can plan out a successful and delicious outdoor cooking event. For more information on outdoor grill fires please click on the following link: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/v11i1.pdf |
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