Ready, Set, Grill

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Be safe when using your BBQ.

SERVPRO of Yuma fire remediation specialists advises Yuma-area grill masters to consider safety during the cooking season.

Firing up the BBQ and Grilling all Year Long is Part of the Joy of Living in Yuma. But, every homeowner should practice safety when cooking outdoors. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns families that grilling season also marks a rise in home fires started by outdoor grilling activities. According to the NFPA, on average, 10,600 home fires are started by grills yearly. These fires caused an average of 10 deaths, 160 serious injuries, and $149 million in direct property damage.

"Sixty-one percent of U.S. households own a gas grill," says Rick Isaacson, SERVPRO Industries, LLC CEO. "A total of sixty-four percent own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill, or smoker. The popularity of this outdoor cooking equipment combined with longer, warmer days creates a unique fire hazard that should be taken seriously."

The NFPA offers these essential tips for fire-safe grilling for gas/propane grills: 

• Check the gas tank for leaks before using
• Open the lid on all gas grills before lighting the grill

For Charcoal Grills:

• Use only charcoal starter fluid to start the fire but never add it or any flammable liquids to a fire that is burning
• Cool coals entirely before you dispose of them in a metal container

For All Grills:

• Place the grill well away from the house and deck railings. Don't place it under eaves or branches
• Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and trays after each use
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill
• Never leave the grill unattended when in use

For Deep Fryers:

U.S. fire departments respond to more than 1,000 fires involving deep fryers yearly. There are, on average, five deaths and 60 injuries every year. More than 900 homes and $15 million in property damage are blamed on the careless use of deep fryers, according to the NFPA.

• Keep deep fryers more than 10 feet from the house or structure
• Stay away from any flammable materials like tall grass or trees
• Never leave your deep fryer unattended
• Protect the chef by wearing oven mitts  
• When working with hot grease and flammable material, keep children or animals at a safe distance.
• Have pots to smother flames and a fire extinguisher handy. NEVER use WATER on a grease fire.

NEVER GRILL INDOORS:

Charcoal and gas grills produce large amounts of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Even small amounts of carbon monoxide can kill you. This might seem obvious. However, at least a dozen people die yearly from using outdoor grills inside homes and structures.

At SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills, we encourage you to be safe when you cook outdoors. Over the years, our company has responded to several fire cleanup jobs caused by outdoor grilling. That's why we hope you will be safe and not have to employ our fire and smoke cleanup services.

For more safety information, visit: the 123HELP APP

To reach SERVPRO of Yuma East/Foothills, call 928-247-1180