Outdoor Grilling Safety

There is no better way to celebrate summer than to barbecue outdoors. However, each year Fire Departments respond to an average of 8,200 home fires involving outdoor grills, hibachis or barbeque pits, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Five out of six home grill fires involve a gas grill, and the leading contributing factor was a leak or break in hoses or other equipment.

Let us run through a worst-case scenario. You’re happily cooking away and everyone is drooling at the amazing smells wafting their way. You are the champion of the grill and everybody loves you. Then, BOOM! Something goes wrong and suddenly, there is a fire. You scream like an infant and run away. Everyone now no longer loves you and no one will ever come to your parties again.

The moral of this story is to prevent the above scenario and check the propane tank and hoses for leaks before using it. If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, a professional should service the grill before use. If the leak does not stop, contact the Fire Department. If you happen to smell gas while cooking, immediately step away from the grill, evacuate the area and contact the Fire Department by dialing 911.

Safe barbequing can be accomplished by following these simple grilling safety tips.

• Propane and charcoal barbeque grills should only be used outdoors.

• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

• Periodically remove grease or fat build-up in trays below the grill so a hot grill cannot ignite it.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited and NEVER use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

•When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing into a metal container.

These and other fire safety tips can be found on the Mattapoisett Fire Department web page at www.mattapoisett.net. For any additional questions regarding fire safety, contact Lt. Patrick Saltmarsh at 508-758-4150 or by emailing psaltmarsh@mattapoisett.net.

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