Before You Fire Up the Grill

Every year, Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor grills. Annually just under 8,600 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires.

The would like your summertime to be a time for fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.

Barbecue Safety
• Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked. 

• Do not overfill the propane tank. 

• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue. 

• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode. 

• Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills. 

• Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers. 

• Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced. 

• Make sure everyone knows to stop, drop and roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

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