For many people, Memorial Day weekend is considered the official start of the grilling season. Before you light the coals or crank on the gas for the first time, North Metro Fire Rescue hopes you will conduct a quick inspection of your grill to ensure that you and your family will be safe.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, accounting for 41% of the gas grill structure and outdoor fires. Before you prepare the burgers for cooking, take a few minutes to conduct a
gas grill safety inspection.
- Check the tubes that lead to the burner for any blockage from insects or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockages and push them through the main part of the burner.
- Check grill hose for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure that there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
- Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
- Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't use it until it has been repaired.
One easy way to check for leaks is to paint the tank, seams, and hoses with a solution of two teaspoons of soap and one pint of water. Turn on the gas and watch for tiny bubbles. Bubbles indicate a leak and leaky parts must be replaced by a professional before your grill is used.
Regardless of the type of your grill, homeowners need to consider their personal safety and their neighbor's when they select their outdoor cooking location. Annually, over one-third of all gas grill and charcoal grill home structure fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch (NFPA). The best place for a grill is outdoors with no overhang from a roof, deck or garage on a flat concrete or dirt surface (not on wood or near foliage.) Additional safety tips to put into action:
Charcoal and Gas Grill Safety Tips
- Never use a grill inside a home, vehicle, tent, porch or garage. Even if ventilation is provided, do not use grills in covered or enclosed areas.
- Never apply charcoal lighter fluid after charcoal has been lit. The fire may climb up the fumes to the fluid container and explode.
- Do not use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire. Both can easily explode.
- Place grills on flat, level surfaces to avoid tipping.
- Always shut off the valve to propane tanks when not using your gas grill.
- Keep all children and pets away from the grill while in operation and until it has cooled after use.
- Use proper utensils that will allow you to be a safe distance from the grill while cooking.
- Do NOT wear loose clothing while cooking.
Finally, in case of a burn injury, run cool water over the burn for 10-15 minutes. Avoid using butter, salves and ice. The best practice is to gradually cool the burn without trapping in the heat and causing further blistering. If the burn is severe or begins to blister, call 9-1-1 for immediate medical attention.
North Metro Fire Rescue is dedicated to your quality care. North Metro Fire Rescue provides fire protection, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response and rescue services to their community. Formed in 1946, the district now covers 115 square miles with a population of approximately 115,000 people including the City and County of Broomfield, the City of Northglenn and unincorporated areas of Boulder, Adams and Jefferson Counties.
# # #