Safe Haven Shares Tips on Fire Safety for National Barbecue Month

By: Safe Haven Admin,

Summer is near and many are already breaking out the barbeque grills for some backyard fun. Data from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) shows that between 2009 – 2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis and barbecues, per year. On average, these fires caused 10 deaths, 160 injuries and over $100 million in direct property damage each year during that span. Furthermore, their data shows that around 80 percent of grills involved in home fires were gas powered, while only 13 percent used charcoal or another solid fuel source.

To help reduce the amount of fires in your home caused by grills and barbecues, there are several tips that you can follow to help stay safe and not let the possibility of a fire ruin your fun times.

Grill Placement
When it comes to fire safety with your grill, proper placement is important. You never want to use your grill indoors, regardless of its size. Grills release carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is odorless and colorless. When it come to positioning your grill, you’ll want to ensure that your cooking surface has no decorations near it. Any kind of decoration could become possible fuel for a fire and artificial fibers used on outdoor furniture can burn quickly and at a higher heat. Lastly, it is important to keep your grill at least 10 feet away from the exterior of your house.

Cooking
Before you even begin cooking, it’s important to clean not only the surface of your grill, but anywhere else grease can store. In fact, grease is a common factor in home fires as it can often cause flare ups. Refrain from placing all the food you intend to cook on the grill at once. By doing so, you’ll avoid creating an excess amount of fat dripping down into the fire, helping a potentially dangerous flare up.

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