Grilling Safety Tips For This Fourth of July Weekend

This Fourth of July weekend is the perfect time to get out and barbecue.

However, if you are planning on firing up the grill, it's important to keep some safety tips in mind to prevent accidents and injuries.

There are an average of 8,900 home fires caused by grilling especially between the months of May and August, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The leading causes of grill fires include a failure to clean it; having the grill too close to something flammable; and leaving the grill unattended.

In 2014, a total of 16,600 people were sent to the emergency room with a grilling-related injury.

The Nassau County Fire Marshals provided the following tips for grilling safety:

• Only use your grill outside
• Keep it away from siding and deck rails
• Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill and campfire to keep kids and pets safe
• Clean your grill after each use to remove grease that can start a fire
• Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled
• Open your gas grill before lighting
• Keep an eye on your grill, fire pit, or patio torches and never leave them unattended

For more info, visit www.nfpa.org.