Grill Fires Peak in July

7/2/2022 (Permalink)

Grill Safety Tips

From the entire staff at SERVPRO of West Greenville County, we want to wish everyone a very Happy and Safe Fourth of July. Although Firework safety is very important during this holiday weekend (check out our blog on Firework Safety Tips), we want to make sure our local community has some safety tips for grilling out this Fourth of July weekend. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Grill fires have their peak in the month of July. The holidays and warm days lead to more cookouts, and more serious injuries. Here are some tips about how to use grills safely to avoid disaster and injury.

All Grills

• Use propane or charcoal grills outdoors only. Place grills away from the home or deck railings and out from under eaves or overhanging branches.
• Keep kids and pets at least 3 ft. away from grilling areas and never leave the grill unattended.
• Keep grills clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and tray below. Always make sure the gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

Propane Grills

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately move away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting.

Charcoal Grills

• If using starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid.
• If using electric charcoal starter, make sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of reach of children and away from heat sources. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• When finished, let coals cool completely before transferring to a metal container for disposal.