According to 2003 to 2006 statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, nearly 7,900 annual home fires were caused by outdoor grills in the United States. Many of these fires were preventable, however, by simply following some basic safety rules. Keep these tips in mind to prevent an unfortunate accident at your next cookout.
Use in Ventilated Area
You should always use a gas grill in a well-ventilated area. Keep gas grills away from any other flammable liquids and objects. Never use a gas grill indoors or in a garage. Besides the obvious fire dangers, gas grills can give off carbon monoxide when lit. When it is confined and builds up in an indoor space, carbon monoxide can be deadly.
Check for Leaks
Gas leaks are a major cause of gas grill fires. When changing out your LP gas cylinder, it is a good idea to check the hose line and connector for any leaks. After long periods of disuse, it is also a good idea to thoroughly check the entire grill system for leaks, excessive wear, corrosion and worn connections. This is especially true after a cold winter when lines can become brittle and break. Be sure to check the entire gas system including burners, hoses and all connectors.
Lighting Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association, one-third of all gas grill injuries occur during the lighting of the grills. You can help protect yourself from these types of injuries by following a few simple lighting safety tips. First, always have the grill lid open when lighting. This will prevent a gas buildup in the grill that can cause a flash of flames when lit. Second, never lean over the grill when lighting. Gas can flare up suddenly when lit and cause burns to your face and body or set fire to clothing.
LP Gas Containers
Most gas grill units use refillable LP gas containers for fuel. It is important that when transporting or storing these flammable gas containers, it is done properly. When transporting a container, make sure it is well secured, upright and will not roll around while in transport. At home, LP gas cylinders should never be kept indoors or near any other flammable products. If you have a spare tank, keep it away from the grill area so that in the event of an accident, you are not dealing with two dangerous fuel sources instead of just one.
Keep Clean
Cooking meat will invariably release animal fats and drop them into the bottom of the grill and burners. Excessive amounts of this grease and other flammable deposits in the bottom of your grill can ignite suddenly. Be sure to regularly clean your grill for both safety and optimum performance.
Unattended Grill
A lit grill should never be left unattended, especially when children are around. Dangerous gas, extremely high temperatures and open flames should make it obvious that a grilling area is no place for children. When lighting or using a grill, always be sure that no children are nearby.
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