Of those, over half (5,700 - 54%) were . The grill should be set up in an open, outdoor area with nothing flammable nearby, such as plants or paper products. Start by using a meat thermometer to check that your food has reached a safe minimum temperature, avoid cross-contamination by preparing food indoors and in advance, and make sure that all food is kept above 140F until it is served. How to Light a Charcoal Grill for Your Best Barbecue Ever While you may not have sand on hand that you can access quickly, most people have dirt in their yards that can be used. Types of Grills Keep your dog safe: Avoid these risks . Download the infographic. As much as you may be tempted to dress to impress, McKelvey says that the clothes you wear when grilling should not be loose fitting or have dangling fabric. The following preventative actions are recommended to decrease the risk of fires. How to Put Out a Grill Fire + Grill Fire Prevention Tips - The Grilling Dad Ensure that there is plenty of ventilation for your grill to do what it does best. McKelvey recommends taping bright colored duct tape on the ground to mark off a boundary easily visible to children. Only use your grill outside. Medium (350F to 375F): 4 seconds or less. Summer is here and that means it's time to fire up the grill. Contact Krys'tal Griffin atkgriffin@delawareonline.com. Shawn Hill Updated on: May 24, 2023 Grilling is one of life's greatest pleasures, but when your backyard barbecue turns into a full-blown inferno, things can quickly go from sizzling to scary. If you are using a grill, make sure you understand how best to put it out in an emergency. To avoid this, clean your grill after each use with a grill brush and empty the grease tray when it fills up. Barbecues use high heat and open flames to cook food, and when left unattended can become a safety and fire hazard. Perhaps you saw a two-page spread in Better Homes and Gardens that inspired you to revamp your patio feng shui, including placing your grill against a railing on your back deck or next to your back door. Busting out your grill during the sunny summer months should mean fun, family, and some beautifully cooked food. Keeping the lid closed can create an anaerobic atmosphere where the gas pools under the grill lid, only to suddenly combust when the lid is opened and oxygen rushes in. As you cook, grease and other particles from your food drip down, coating your grill in flammable materials. For those grilling over an open fire, check out thesefire pit safety tipsto keep you and your guests safe. Remember, your safety and the safety of those around you must come first. "Home fires happen each and every day," she says, "and nearly 3,000 people die in home fires every year. Next up in 5. Use a wire brush to remove any debris and grease from the grates and trays. In this guide, well show you how to use this simple technique to smoke meat in a Kettle style grill at a constant low temperature for up to 12 hours. Wondering what the most common causes of a grill fire are? Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors, 4. It happens every year. Pictographs can help overcome literacy barriers by communicating messages with pictures. Each year, grill fires cause about $37 million in property damage. Be mindful of the grill's vicinity to dry vegetation, tablecloths and outdoor dcor such as balloons or banners. Avoid wearing loose clothing or anything that can easily catch fire. Pritchard still remembers this fire because the two women did almost everything right. To keep the flames on the grill and prevent your backyard from becoming the latest barbecue, here are some safety tips from First Alert to keep in mind: While it may seem obvious to only use a grill outside, we know theres the temptation of setting up shop under a covered balcony or inside of your open garage. Its tempting to throw on the first outfit you can cobble together, especially during the dog days of summer, but protecting your body in grill-appropriate clothing while cooking hot dogs is a necessary precaution. Fires double in size every minute. A grill fire can happen for a number of reasons, such as a buildup of grease or food particles on the grates, a malfunctioning gas line, or even a stray ember or spark. Catie Dull/NPR Keeping a spray bottle filled with water handy is a sure way to quickly extinguish smaller flames before they spread. 2018new Date().getFullYear()>2018&&document.write("-"+new Date().getFullYear()); Eugene Welders Supply Co. DBA National Fire Fighter Corp./National Fire Fighter Wildland Corp. SIGN UP TO RECEIVE OUR MONTHLY WILDLAND FIRE ENEWSLETTER: Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. Do Deck Posts Need to Be Centered on Piers? When you're done grilling, cool the charcoal and ashes completely. That fire can also track back up the stream of the fluid to the bottle you are holding with predictably disastrous effects. While many people believe that flour is the right baking ingredient to put out a fire, it is baking soda that works best. Fires double in size every minute. Never use a grill indoors. If you use a starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid. 16 Grilling Safety Tips For the Summer Season - Proline Range Hoods This is why it is best to ensure that you have left some space between your grill and the electrical outlet to allow for unplugging it quickly. Catie Dull/NPR Clinging to the back of a fire engine racing through the streets of El Paso, Texas, firefighter Michael Pritchard knew this fire was going to be bad. "People just feel safe at home," she says, "and so this overconfidence lends to a complacency.". Here's how to keep yourself and others safe, Avoid these risks to dogs this summer as warm weather, pet dangers, amp up, As hurricane season arrives in Delaware, here are some preparation and evacuation tips, United States Federal Emergency Management Agency, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The next day, they disposed of the ashes in their kitchen trash. Make sure your grill is set up on a stable surface, such as a concrete pad, so that it remains level while in use. Keep an eye on your grill, fire pit or patio torches. Before and after each use, make sure to clean your grill thoroughly. In more recent years, however, climate change has brought about significant shifts and challenges to the region including effects on wildfires. BBQ Basics The Ultimate Guide to Grilling Whether grilling with charcoal or gas, do it like a professional By Derrick Riches Updated on 05/17/23 In This Article Learn the Basics Cooking with Gas Cooking with Charcoal Back to Top At the most basic level, grilling means cooking food over a hot flame. To speed up the cooling, douse the embers with water. NFPA - Grilling safety An Ohio.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the State of Ohio. Between 2017 to 2021, an average of 22,155 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of grilling-related injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. It may be important to note that before you reach in to close the lid of the grill during a fire, you need to ensure that it is safe for you to do so. If you suspect CO poisoning, call 9-1-1. Public Education Fire causes & risks Seasonal fire causes Grilling Grilling social media posts Grilling social media posts Use these sample social media posts to spread the word about grilling safety. 9 Grilling Safety Tips | BBQ Safety Tips - First Alert These grilling safety tips will help ensure your family's safety. She also recommends setting your grill on a flat, sturdy surface at least 3 feet from any structure, such as your house or shed. dream outdoor living brings you the latest trends and products in outdoor furniture, offering reviews and tips on choosing and arranging your furniture to ensure that you get the most out of your outdoor living space. If a piece of your clothes does catch fire, stopping, dropping and rolling will extinguish the flames quickly. Use the grill in a well-ventilated area: Never use your grill indoors or in a poorly ventilated area, as this can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. "You could see the smoke from miles away," Pritchard recalls of the two-alarm blaze that gutted a garden apartment complex in the city. These easy-to-follow tips will help you and your family to enjoy a safe summer barbecuing season. This is because when debris and other food particles accumulate in the grill, it can ignite causing you to have a grill fire. In most cases, the method you will use to put the fire out will depend on the type of grill you have and what kind of fire you are dealing with. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. A closed lid can cause gas to accumulate, which can lead to an explosion when you light the grill. Keep children and pets away: Its important to keep children and pets away from the grill while its in use. This is because electricity is the fuel source and keeping it plugged in can cause the fire to quickly get out of control. Youve got grilling questions. Another important preparation is to have a plan in case of an emergency. If there is a propane leak, the solution will bubble. Check your grill for any defects before every use. By following these tips, you can enjoy your grilling experience safely. Use a wire brush to remove any debris and grease from the grates and trays. By taking these safety measures, you can ensure that your guests have a fun and safe time at your barbecue. Make sure that there are at least 10 feet between your grill and any other surface that may be flammable. Visit the U.S. Fire Administration homepage. Looks aren't everything. Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills are involved in 1,440 home fires per year, reported NFPA. 19 Grilling Safety Tips You Need To Know In 2023 - BBQ Smoke Central Skid Units - What They Do and How They Help Wildland Firefighters. You may know the time it takes to grill ribs as well as you know the back of your hand, but no matter how much of a grill guru you are, it is not safe to leave your grill unattended. Even if your grill appears to be functioning properly, its still a good idea to have it inspected at least once a year. When calling 911, provide as much information as possible. Learn more about why you. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby: In case of an emergency, its always best to be prepared. Here are some of the best grill fire prevention steps that you should keep in mind when you are grilling: By following these preventive measures, you can prevent a grill fire before it starts to ensure that you and your family are kept safe. Tighten the connections between the tank, the gas hose and the grill before you ignite. Remember to always use caution when grilling and never leave the grill unattended. SmokedBBQSource is supported by its readers. Grilling Safety 101: 10 Tips to Grill Safely During the Summer Here are five food safety tips to keep you and your guests safe at your next cookout. 6 Signs Your Grill Is About to Catch Fire - House Beautiful Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby. In 2021, fire departments in the United States responded to an estimated 170,000 home cooking fires. By following these simple tips, you can help prevent a grill fire and ensure that your grilling experience is safe and enjoyable. hide caption. If a fire breaks out, call 911 immediately and evacuate everyone from the area. Here are some tips to help you grill safely: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby: In case of emergency, its important to have a fire extinguisher nearby. From Consumer Reports' experts, including trained chef and CR journalist Paul Hope, here's what you need to do . Happy grilling! Its common for grills to flare up as fat drips from meat as it cooks, and this can cause a section of the grill to remain on fire as it burns away. The leading factor contributing to ignition in nonconfined home cooking fires was unattended equipment (37%). Keep at least 25 feet . Not only does a charcoal chimney make it quick and easy to start your coals, but it is also a safer way of starting a charcoal grill as it doesnt involve the use of accelerants like lighter fluid and you are only lighting a smaller, more manageable number of coals. You can avoid any unfortunate food-safety related incidents by learning some basic food safety. Grill manufacturers Kingsford and Char-Broil both recommend closing the lid to suffocate the embers and leaving the ashes to cool for 48 hours. Have a Fire Extinguisher. Even if your grill is your baby and you keep it in pristine condition, it's still good to do a thorough check at the start of each season. For grilling safety, the best way to use lighter fluid is to pour it over a pyramid of coals before lighting them, or not at all. Also, make sure the grill is clean before cooking. In an average season, about 18 named storms occur. Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH. Home grill fires by leading factors contributing to ignition 2014-2018 Note. When it comes to grill fires, it is important to be aware of the different types of fires you may encounter while grilling. Also, make sure to keep children and pets away from the grill to prevent any accidents. Its small, compact size makes it the perfect addition to your grilling set to help keep your loved ones safe. - Position the barbecue or campfire at least 10 feet away from any structures, including your home, shed, or garage. A Comprehensive Guide, How Long Does Salsa Last in the Fridge? The last thing you want is it tipping over and spilling hot fat, perfectly good food, and superhot chunks of charcoal everywhere. When in doubt, consult with a professional to ensure that your grill is properly maintained and repaired. As Pritchard likes to say, "Fire is everyone's fight.". Ensure that wherever you choose to place your grill, the area above and around it is clear and unobstructed. Safety tips for gas, charcoal grilling. First and foremost, always make sure your grill is clean before cooking. PDF Grilling Safety Tips - NFPA Other signs of a propane leak include the smell of gas near the barbecue or a flame that wont light. 2023 All Rights Reserved | Smoked BBQ Source, How to Light Charcoal Without Lighter Fluid, 1. Guy Colonna, NFPA Division Manager, Industrial Chemical Engineering, gives some basic tips on how to prepare your grill before your first cookout of the season. Failing to clean the grill before and after use contributes to nearly 20% of grill fires. With almost a decade of manning the grill and helping over 25,000 aspiring grill masters, you're in great hands! As we said earlier, cooking means grease and grease means the possibility of flare-ups. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-dreamoutdoorliving_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'dreamoutdoorliving_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',875,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dreamoutdoorliving_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Maintaining a clean and well-maintained grilling apparatus is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking experience. He warns that charcoal and ashes can stay hot for much longer than they may appear. What are the Most Common Causes of a Grill Fire? Best to invest in a grill mat if you dont have concrete or pavers to put your grill on. Clean your grill after each use. Remember, its always better to be safe than sorry. So, make sure to clean and maintain your grill regularly, and enjoy your outdoor cooking experience to the fullest. Practice safe barbeque habits When barbecuing, use common sense: Operate your barbecue on a level surface, away from your house, garage and landscaping. This might seem obvious, but given the stats we quoted above, perhaps its not quite obvious enough. If you are dealing with a fire that does not go out by using the above methods, you may need to bring out your fire extinguisher. By following our grilling safety tips, you can manage that risk while still having a great time. Its really important that you make sure you are basing your grill on a stable surface. When you are setting up your grill, consider the space around it. Summer Fire Safety Tips: Grilling and Backyard Campfires Living in a First Floor Apartment: Safety, Pros, and Cons, How to Negotiate a Pet with Your Landlord. No matter the cause, when you have grease that comes in contact with a flame, you can have a disaster on your hands before you realize it. Never leave your grill unattended. Fire Safety for the Public offered by Department of Fire Services Grilling Safety Every year, grilling fires cause injuries and property damage. For safety purposes, it is recommended that you keep the grill that is in use at least 10 feet away from houses, fences, deck railings, and other items that could cause a fire. Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. Additionally, it's important to keep an eye on the temperature of your grill. Grilling Safety Tips For Your July 4th Cookout : NPR Keep children and pets away from the grill. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-dreamoutdoorliving_com-narrow-sky-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'dreamoutdoorliving_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_22',880,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dreamoutdoorliving_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); You should also have a bucket of sand or a garden hose close by, in case the fire gets out of control. For charcoal, wait for at least 48 hours to ensure that the ashes are entirely cooled before you attempt to dispose of them and clean the grill. Make sure that its easily accessible and that everyone knows where it is. Do not store propane in a garage. Outdoor grilling safety tips - Fire Line Following these charcoal and gas grilling safety tips and having the right protection will help you and your family enjoy a safe grilling season all summer long. Free space is at a premium, so you need a grill that, If you want to start cooking barbecue but dont have a fancy dedicated smoker, then you need to give the snake method a try. Read on below to find out how. Place your grill well away (at least 3 feet) from anything that can burn, including deck railings and overhanging branches; also keep them out from under eaves. Youve got grilling questions. Lighter fluid is dangerous stuff and applying it carelessly, especially to hot coals, can cause it to suddenly flare up into a large fire. And he also helps bring design to life and build it for his customers using high quality products and building techniques. The National Fire Protection Association's Susan McKelvey recommends taping bright colored duct tape on the ground near a grill to mark off a boundary easily visible to children. However, NFPA reports that more than one-quarter (27%) of home fires started by outdoor grills began in a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 29% started on an exterior balcony or open porch. Check to make sure the tank valves are turned off fully. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so that no one can bump them or pull them over. They also allow you to keep a safe distance from the flames. Stay fire safe this summer! Most of the fires happen between May and August. Consider using a charcoal chimney starter, which uses newspaper to start the fire instead of starter fluid. Dont allow kids or pets to play near the grill. Medicare Questions Answering the Most FAQ. If its raining or cold outside, youll just have to bundle up. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and let everyone know where it is and how to operate it. Even without actually causing a fire, incorrect placement of your grill can leave unsightly scorch marks, cause damage, or severely wilt your other halfs prized tomato plants! Its also important to keep a watchful eye on your guests and children while grilling. After lighting the grill, keep starter fluid away from the fire. U.S. Fire Administration publications catalog.