Grilling Safety Tips

From Fire Chief Danny Bowman and the Forsyth County Fire Department

“During the summer months, grilling is an activity many people enjoy,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. “It is important to keep some safety tips in mind when grilling to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

Maintenance and Safety First
· Check the grill to be sure it is in good working order.
· Ensure the grill is on a flat surface away from any structures and low-hanging branches.
· Position the grill away from siding and deck railings and out from beneath any eaves.
· Never use a grill indoors or in tents. These areas are highly flammable and can also cause high levels of carbon monoxide.
· Keep children and games away from the cooking area and never leave a grill unattended.
· When lighting a grill, use a long match or mechanical lighter designed for lighting grills. Always keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
· Use long-handled tools to give the chef plenty of space from the heat and flames.
· Allow the grill to cool before attempting to move it after use.

Charcoal Briquette Grills
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use only sufficient charcoal to cover the base of the grill to a depth of about two inches. Store extra charcoal in a metal container with a tight fitting lid to keep it dry. Wet charcoal can spontaneously combust and start a fire.

Use only recognized charcoal starter fluid.
Use lighter fluid on cold briquettes only and use the minimum amount necessary to start the charcoal. Adding fluid to burning or hot coals can cause a flash fire which can result in serious burn injuries.

When removing ashes from a grill, be sure they are cool before placing them into a non-flammable container such as a metal bucket.
Water may be added to the cool ashes, but remember to stay back, away from potential hot steam. Empty spent ashes onto bare garden soil. Do not place ashes into a garbage can or paper bag. House fires have been caused by hot ashes which, when left on a deck or porch, later ignited.

Gas Grills
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
To check the gas cylinder or pipe for leaks, brush soapy water around all joints and watch for bubbles. If you find a leaky joint, try to tighten; however, do not over tighten. If ever in doubt about the integrity of your gas cylinder, have it tested. Never use gas cylinders that are past their legal use date.

Open the grill lid before turning on the gas or lighting the grill.

When you have finished cooking with a gas grill, turn off the gas cylinder.

Change gas cylinders in the open air, not in a confined space.                               
Avoid storing gas cylinders indoors and in basements.  

Remember to dial 911 in an emergency.