Safe Grilling Tips

July is National Grilling Month, but it’s also the peak month for grill fires! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), around 19,700 people visit emergency rooms across the country each year due to injuries involving a grill. And structure and outdoor fires originating from a grill result in roughly $149 million in property damage each year.

Follow these basic grill safety tips to keep you and your family safe this grilling season.

• Never use outdoor cooking equipment indoors. This can cause significant fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
• Place your grill well away from other structures (i.e. your home or deck railing) and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Maintain a safe zone around the grill to prevent children and pets from being injured.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Check gas grills to ensure all tank hoses and burners are in good, working condition and free of cracks and leaks.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately remove yourself and family members from the area and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• If using a charcoal grill, make sure coals are completely cool before disposing of them in a non-combustible container.

Check out the HSI Emergency Care blog for more grilling safety tips and statistics!