Outdoor Grilling Safety

Grilling is a popular way to enjoy the nice summer weather, but grill fires can start easily and spread quickly when the gas or charcoal grill is placed too close to any fire hazards. Learn how you can help keep your home and family safe by following these grilling safety trips.

• Only use grills outside. It may be tempting to set up your grill inside your open garage or under a covered balcony, but propane and gas, charcoal grills are strictly designed for outdoor use with plenty of ventilation. Any combustible material that surrounds or hangs over the grill can catch fire easily and quickly.

• Place your grill away from your home. Grills are often placed just outside the back door or on the back deck against a railing. You should avoid placing your grill in these areas because it can pose a potential fire hazard. Grills that are placed too close to the house or other wood structures can heat up adjacent materials and cause a fire to start. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home or other structures.

• Make sure your grill is located on a flat, level surface. Grills that are placed on slopes or other uneven surfaces can tip over easily and cause a fire. Set your grill on a stable surface such as a concrete pad so that it remains level.

• Check your grill for leaks, especially if it is stored inside during the winter months. A leak in the gas lines can cause propane or natural gas to build up inside the grill when the lid is closed. Check the gas lines to make sure that they are free of leaks before using. Always open the lid of your grill before lighting.

• Always clean your grill after use. Grilling can cause grease to build-up on the grill plates and collect inside the grease tray. If not cleaned, the build-up can act as fuel and catch fire. Use a grill brush and empty the grease tray when it begins to fill up. If you use charcoal briquettes, in discarding after use, make sure they are completely cool before you discard them.

• Never leave your grill unattended while you are cooking food. Grills use high heat and open flames to cook food, and when left unattended can become a safety and fire hazard. If you must leave the grill, ask another adult to watch it for you.

• When grilling food, wear clothing that won’t interfere with the cooking process and make sure that any apron strings are tied back away from your front. Long sleeves or pieces that dangle can catch fire easily when too close to an open flame. If a piece of clothing does catch fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames quickly.

• It’s common for grills to flare up as fat drips from meat as it cooks. This can cause a section of the grill to remain on fire as it burns away. Keep a spray bottle filled with water beside your grill so you can quickly extinguish smaller flames before they spread.

• Or, have a fire extinguisher close by. It is simple to use, just point and spray in most cases and can be quickly and easily cleaned up after use. It’s small, compact size makes it the perfect addition to your grilling set to help keep your loved ones safe.

Following these charcoal/gas grill safety tips and having the right protection will help you and your family enjoy a safe grilling season all summer long.

Clay County Fire & Rescue Week of July 19 – 25, 2023

Total calls = 12

Medical Assist Calls – 8 Aircraft Standby – 1 Dispatched, Cancelled En Route – 1 Public Service – 1 No Incident Found - 1