JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
It can also mean there’s an increased risk of home fires. Numerous home fires are caused by grilling and almost half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns. This accounts for a yearly average of 8,900 injuries.
Grilling by the numbers
- In recent years, 16,600 patients went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.
- July is the peak month for grill fires (17 percent), including both structure, outdoor or unclassified fires, followed by May, June and August.
- A failure to clean the grill was the leading factor contributing to the fire in 19 percent of all structure fires involving grills. In 17 percent of those, something that could catch fire was too close to the grill.
- Leaks or breaks were the factor in 11 percent of grill structure fires and 23 percent of outside and unclassified grill fires.
- Gas grills contribute to a higher number of home fires overall than their charcoal counterparts.
Safety tips
· Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
· Make sure the grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
· Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
· Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
· Never leave your grill unattended.
· Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
Charcoal grills
· There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow people to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
· If using starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
· Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
· There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
· When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal
container.
Propane safety
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least five minutes before re-lighting it.
For more information about grilling safety, visit the National Fire Prevention Association website at http://www.nfpa.org/education or contact one of the Joint Base San Antonio fire prevention offices at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, 210-221-2727; JBSA-Lackland at 210-671-2921; or JBSA-Randolph at 210-652-6915.