Summer is right around the corner, and this warmer weather brings family cookouts. It’s important to note that each year, approximately 9,500 people are burned from grill fires or hot grills. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
- The grill had not been cleaned in 20% of the grill fires.
- More than one-quarter of grill structure fires started on an exterior balcony or open porch.
- Gas grills were involved in an average of 9,287 home fires per year – 4,682 structure fires and 4,605 outdoor fires. Leaks or breaks with gas grills were the primary cause.
- From 2020 – 2024, an average of 21,682 people went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.
The NFPA provides the following grilling safety tips:
- Check propane gas tanks for leaks before use.
- Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
- If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill.
- If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
- If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 8 minutes before re-lighting it.
- Remove grease or fat buildup from the grills and in the trays below grills when cleaning.
- Grills should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Always be sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
- If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid.
- Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
- The container should have a tight fitting lid.
- Place the container outside and away from anything that can burn.
- Never empty coals directly into a trash can.
- Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
- Keep children and pets (and anything that can burn like food wrappers, an oven mitt or a towel) at least three feet away from the grilling area.
- Use long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames.