Grilling 101: 12 Tips for Safe Summer Fun

Nothing says summer like food seared on a grill to tasty perfection; just ask the seven out of ten US adults with a grill or smoker. Unfortunately, nothing else says summer like grill fires. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August, resulting in approximately 10,600 home fires annually and costing an average $149 million in property damage every year. From 2014 to 2018, close to 20,000 people go to the ER every year with injuries caused by grills–nearly half with contact burns.  Don’t be fooled: All grills–from large pig-cookers to small hibachis–deserve respect.

Want to make sure the only thing getting burned by your grill this summer is food? Follow these tips.

General

* A clean grill is a safe grill. Remove grease from the grates and trays before using it.

* Grill outside only, away from the house, deck benches and railings, balcony overhangs, and tree branches.

* Keep it stable. Make sure your grill is in a flat area and won’t tip over.

* Set boundaries: no children or pets within three feet of grills (many grill injuries are caused by running and playing too close to the cooking action).

* Dress for success. Beware of long sleeves, dangling shirt tails, and apron strings around flames.

* Gear up. Invest in grilling gloves and tools (tongs, spatula, etc.) that protect you from fire and high heat.

* Be ready to douse a fire. Use baking soda on a grease fire, and a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand on other fires.

*Make sure your grill complies with the rules of your community association and municipality.

Gas Grills

*Annually check for gas grill leaks by drizzling lightly soapy water onto the hose–a gas leak will bubble. If there’s a leak and no flame, turn off the grill and gas and call a pro for repairs. If the leak doesn’t stop after turning off the grill or you smell gas while grilling, call the fire department. 

* Always open a gas grill lid to light it.  

* Wait to relight a gas grill if the flame goes out: Try again after five minutes.

Charcoal Grills

* Consider charcoal chimney starters–both those that use newspaper and electric.

* Use only charcoal starter fluid if using a liquid lighter. Never squirt charcoal fluid or other flammable liquids onto a fire. Keep all containers of lighter fluids away from a hot grill.