HFDST: Summer Parties Are Not All Fun and Games
This week, Hot Fireman Dips and Safety Tips is exposing you to the importance of grill safety. Before you grill and chill this summer, inspire to make safe fire.
If you are like many Americans, you are ready for summer and all that comes with it. Parties are being planned, the grill is heating up and a lot of thought is going into the menu. Have you put any thought into the safety of your grill? When was the last time you did more than just clean the surface area? Taking some time to understand the dangers associated with grilling and ways to keep your guests, your property, and yourself safe, could be the most important planning you do for your summer parties.
In April of 2016, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that,
- In 2009–2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year. This includes structure fires and outside or unclassified fires on home properties.
- These 8,900 fires caused annual averages of 10 civilian deaths, 160 reported civilian injuries, and $118 million in direct property damage. Almost all the losses resulted from structure fires.
- Five out of six (83%) grills involved in home fires were fueled by gas while 13% used charcoal or other solid fuel.
- The leading causes of grill fires were a failure to clean, having the grill too close to something that could catch fire and leaving the grill unattended.
- A leak or break was the leading cause for outside or unclassified grill fires. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills.
So how do you prevent those dangerous situations from ruining your summer barbeque? Make sure your gas grill is clean and the gas lines are free from bugs and spiders. This is especially important if the grill has not been used for a while and has not been cleaned. You also need to make sure there are no leaks in the lines. The gas lines and connectors are exposed to outdoor elements and can get old or cracked. A mixture of soap and water along the lines and connectors will produce small bubbles if there are any leaks. Check out Propane 101 for more tips.
Propane gas can be extremely dangerous if accumulated, so make sure to always leave your grill open when lighting. In 2012, ESPN reporter Hannah Storm was severely burned when she attempting to relight her gas grill after the fire had be blown out by wind. The propane had been on continuously, but it was windy so she didn’t think the gas would have accumulated. Unfortunately, propane is heavier than air so when she lit the fire it created a fire ball that burned her face, neck and hands. Hannah has told her story to make sure that others know how dangerous propane can be. Take a look at her story here.
When lighting a gas grill, always make sure the lid is open and the gas has not accumulated before attempting to light. According to James Novak, a fire investigator for the St. Paul, Minnesota, fire department, the most common mistake people make when grilling is: “They turn on the gas, they leave the cover down, they hit the igniter and they get an explosion from a buildup of gas.”
Once the grill is lit, never leave it unattended. Pieces of meat or grease can catch fire and that fire can get very large really quick and spread to anything around it.
Charcoal grills can be just as dangerous when you factor in the mobility of the grill and the use of lighter fluid and other flammables. You should only use fluid intended for starting coals and only add it if the coals are not already burning. Grills should be placed away from any structures and should not be left unattended. Built up grease can burn and the resulting fire can get very large, really quick. The NFPA advised that in 2014, “A failure to clean the grill was the leading factor contributing to the fire in one –fifth of all grill structure fires (19%). In 17%, something that could catch fire was too close to the grill.” The same report indicated that, “16,600 patients went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.”
Make sure you properly dispose of hot charcoal as hot coals can even start a fire on grass. Most importantly never barbeque indoors or store your BBQ in or near your tent if you are camping. Fumes from charcoal give off carbon monoxide and they are deadly!
Lastly, make sure the children at your party are never left unattended near a hot grill, coals or lighter fluid. Children and pets are naturally curious, especially around food and fire. It only takes a second to touch something hot or to grab the lighter fluid they saw dad using and try to squirt some on the fire too.
So take some time this summer to do a little research on making your grill and food as safe as it can be. There is a vast amount of information online for safe summer barbequing and some great grilling recipes. Make your grilling safe and your party will be all fun and games.
