Fire Up the Grill Safely over Fourth of July

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While barbecuing can be a fun and tasty experience this Fourth of July, it can also be dangerous.

Grills can cause serious damage and injury if they are not used correctly.

SEE: Got Grilling Questions in the Hudson Valley?

From 2003 to 2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of about 7,900 fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

In 2007, more than 18,600 people in the United State were admitted into emergency rooms because some sort of grill related injury, according to the NFPA. About half of those injuries were for thermal burns.

Sharon Gamache, program director for public education at the fire protection association, said people should make sure grills are not being used in enclosed areas such as garages.

"Keep children and pets away from the grill," Gamache said. "People can have a lot of friends over on the Fourth of July and they need to keep grills away from the areas with the most traffic. Just like with stoves, you should have a safety area to keep children away from grills. When you look at emergency room records, children under five account for one-fourth of all burns that are reported from grills."

In the event of a burn, Gamache reminds people to submerse the burn in cold water for a period of three to five seconds and to refrain from using butter or any other ointments. If the injury is bigger than the palm of the victim's hand, than additional medical assistance should be sought out.

The Bedford NY Fire Department offers these tips on its website:

BBQ Safety Tips

BEFORE BARBECUING

• Check your grill thoroughly for leaks, cracking or brittleness before using it.
• Check the tubes leading to the burner regularly for blockages. Check with your specific grill manufacturer's instructions.
• Make sure the grill is at least 10 feet away from your house, garage or trees.
• Store and use your grill on a large flat surface that cannot burn (i.e. - concrete or asphalt).
• Don't use grills in a garage, porch, deck or on top of anything that can catch on fire. Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof. It is both dangerous and illegal.
• Keep children away from fires and grills. It is a good idea to establish a safety zone around the grill and instruct children to remain outside the zone. A chalk line works great for this purpose.
• Have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose attached to a water supply, or at least 16-quarts of water close by in case of a fire.
• Before getting a propane cylinder filled, check for any damages to it.
• Never transport or store propane cylinders in the trunk of your automobile.

DURING BARBECUING

• Don't wear loose clothing that might catch fire.
• Use long handled barbecue tools and/or flame resistant mitts.
• Never use any flammable liquid other than a barbecue starter fluid to start or freshen a fire.
• Never pour or squirt starter fluid onto an open flame. The flame can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands.
• Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill, they are flammable!
• Never leave the grill unattended.

BBQ SAFELY

• When lighting your propane barbecue, make sure all the connections are secure and open the lid and strike your match or lighter BEFORE turning on the gas.
• ALWAYS shut off the propane fuel at the grill and at the bottle after you have finished barbecuing. Otherwise, this will lead to fire hazards, such as leaks and faulty regulators.
• Store your BBQ and propane cylinder outdoors.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe use, cleaning and maintenance of your BBQ.
• Test your cylinder for leaks on a regular basis. When testing for leaks, never use matches or an open flame. Use soapy water or a leak detector.
• Store your cylinder away from heat and insert a safety plug on the valve.

AFTER BARBECUING

• Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning and storing instructions that accompany the grill.
• Keep your grill clean and free of grease buildup that may lead to a fire.
• Never store liquid or pressurized fuels inside your home and/or near any possible sources of flame.

IN CASE OF A BARBECUE FIRE

• For PROPANE Grills - turn off the burners. For CHARCOAL Grills - close the grill lid. Disconnect the power to ELECTRIC Grills.
• For PROPANE Grills - if you can safely reach the tank valve, shut it off.
• If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department.
• If there is any type of fire that either threatens your personal safety or endangers property, ALWAYS DIAL 911.
• NEVER attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water. It will only cause the flames to flare up. Use an approved portable fire extinguisher.