State Fire Marshal’s Grilling Safety Tips for Your Memorial Day
Grilling weather is fast approaching with Memorial Day around the corner. Unfortunately, with grilling comes with countless fire related accidents from careless mistakes that can be avoided with proper operation.
In the past 4 years, there has been over 400 barbeque/grill related fires. These fires, caused from the use of barbeques, hibachis, and grills have reported about $3.5 million in property damage.
Massachusetts State Fire Marshal, Peter Ostroskey, recently released some tips to remain safe this Memorial Day. He recommends to “Take a few minutes for safety and inspect grills for leaks and cracks, and teach children to stay three feet away from any grill in use.”
Ostroskey also recommends via 7 News Boston:
- Read and follow the owner’s manual.
- Always grill outdoors.
- Place grills away from the house and deck railings (about ten feet). Make sure they are not under eaves, overhanging branches or against the side of the building.
- A gas or charcoal grill should not be used on any porch or balcony. Electric grills that have no open flame may be used.
- Gas grills can be used on first floor open decks or patios if there is an exterior stairway to the ground, or it is at ground level.
- Grills should never be used indoors or on fire escapes.
- Keep children and pets three feet away from the grill area. Create a circle of safety.
- Never leave a grill burning unattended.
- Keep the grill clean by removing grease or fat build-up from the grills and trays below the grill.
- 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 15 minutes before relighting.
- Never use gasoline on any grill
Enjoy friends and family this Memorial Day and don’t forget to practice safe grilling so you can assure a successful holiday weekend.
