Patch Picks: Grill Safety Tips

The summer months are the perfect time for barbecues with friends and family, but it is all too easy to forget that grills can pose a serious hazard to you and those around you if not taken care of properly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, gas grills were responsible for an annual average of 6,200 home fires from 2004-2008 while charcoal grills averaged 1,300 home fires.

Grill fires cause more than $80 million in property damage and cause 18,600 people to visit the emergency room for grilling-related injuries.

So the next time you fire up your grill, which may be this Fourth of July, remember to follow these simple tips to ensure a safe experience for everyone.

For Charcoal Grills 

• Though it may be frustrating when your grill doesn't start right away, never be tempted to add more fluid fire-starter once you have a decent flame. Instead, give the grill more time to ignite the coals and help it along by gently pushing the coals around a bit.
• Once you are finished grilling, let the coals cool off completely if you are going to remove them from the grill. Once they are cool, dispose of them in a metal container.
• Charcoal grills are a huge carbon monoxide hazard. Be safe and even if you think the grill is ready to be put away, wait a bit longer to be totally sure. A grill that gets stored too soon will continue to emit carbon monoxide until the coals are completely cooled, thus giving the chance to get carbon monoxide poisoning.

 For Gas Grills

• Gas grills account for 80 percent of grill fires, so it is very important to make sure you are following all of your grill's recommendations for use.
• Check the tank for gas leaks at least twice a year. You can do this by applying a light amount of soapy water to the hose. If there is a leak, it will release bubbles. If a leak is found, do not continue to use the grill until the leak has been fixed by a professional.
• Do not overfill a propane tank. It is illegal to fill a 20 pound tank to anything more than 80-percent capacity. This is so the liquid has room to expand.
• Always store the tank upright and outdoors. Never store tanks by a heat source because this may cause the valve to open thus causing a gas leak. Do not store extra tanks under the grill.
• When lighting the grill it is important to have the lid open to avoid a flash fire from gas buildup.

General Grill Tips--Follow these tips no matter what type of grill you are using.

• NEVER use any grill indoors. Make sure the grill is a safe distance from anything flammable such as the house, deck rails, tree branches, woodpiles, etc. A recommended distance is 20 feet, a bare minimum of 10 feet.
• Always keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
• Keep your grill clean by brushing the grates with a wire brush and remove any debris from the inside to avoid starting a grease fire.
• Always have a fire extinguisher handy.