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JBSA News
NEWS | Aug. 11, 2009

101 Critical Days of Summer: Barbecue/grilling safety; When grilling, cook the food, not yourself

By Sean Bowlin 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

Barbecuing ranks as one of the summer's favorite ways to entertain families and friends. Americans love the thrill of the grill and barbecue more than three billion times a year, said the National Fire Protection Association.

Too often though, they light up more than the grill in their quest for sizzling burgers and hot dogs.

"When barbecuing, remember to please cook the food and not yourself," said Mark Ledford, Randolph Air Force Base chief of fire emergency services.

Mr. Ledford, and other base fire safety officials, say that by following a few simple, common-sense guidelines, Airmen can protect themselves, their families, guests - and the food -- while experiencing fulfilling grilling.

For charcoal or gas grilling, James Smith, Randolph AFB fire emergency services fire inspector, said it's key to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. If the manual is missing, contact the manufacturer for a replacement or check the company's Web site.

Regardless of the type of grill you use, keep your distance. Set up and use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or other buildings, deck railings and from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Position the grill out of range of children's play areas and away from backyard traffic patterns. Enforce a child-and-pet-free zone of at least three feet around the grill. Never leave the grill unattended, especially when young children and pets are close by.

One of the most important things you can do is have a spray bottle handy to control flare-ups and have a fire extinguisher close by just in case a fire gets big. If using the extinguisher, try the"PASS" method: Pull pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle and Sweep from side to side, said Mr. Smith.

"That's the most methodical way to put out a fire," he added.

Safety tips for charcoal grills include:

- Only use starter fluid, never gasoline or kerosene, to light a charcoal fire.
- Never try to restart a fire by adding additional starter fluid to an already lit grill. This will cause a flare-up.
- Dispose of charcoal away from children and pets and cool it down with a hose. Coals can get as hot as 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so let them cool overnight before disposing of them.
-
Safety tips for gas grills include:

- Never store or use propane gas cylinders inside your home or any facility on
Randolph AFB.
- Never store or operate a propane-powered gas grill indoors. Grills must be
operated at least 10 feet from a facility.
- Always handle propane-powered equipment cautiously, and according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
- Check the hoses from the gas supply for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Ensure there are no kinks in the hose or tubing.
- Inspect tubes leading into the burner for blockages. A pipe cleaner or wire can clear any obstruction to the main part of the burners.
- Follow instructions to check for a leak, particularly if you smell gas when you connect the grill to the propane tank. Never, never light a match to check for leaks. Instead, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed. If the leak can't be fixed, call the fire department.
- When using a propane grill, have the ignition source already lit and in the proper position prior to turning on the gas. If a malfunction occurs, be sure to have the grill checked or repaired by a qualified repairman.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately move away from the grill and call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to move the grill.
- Periodically, it's a good idea to remove grease build-up in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited. 

"Barbecues can be one of the best things about summer," said Linda Howlett, 12th FTW ground safety manager, "and following some simple safety tips will help ensure your barbecue is a hit."

For more barbecue safety tips, call Randolph Fire Emergency Services at 652-6915.