How to stay safe while grilling at barbecues this summer

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — With summer holidays underway, many are getting ready to put hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill — but while you’re doing so, it’s important to keep safety at the forefront.

According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association , July is the peak month for grill fires, and about half of injuries involving grills are thermal burns.

Their data also shows that more than one-quarter of grill structure fires started on an exterior balcony or open porch, with eight percent beginning when an outside wall caught fire. These statistics come from reports from 2017-2021.

Benjamin Porter, the public information officer with Unified Fire Authority, said while it’s hot and dry in summer months, conditions are more ripe for a fire to take. So, be prepared and take precautions in all of your festivities.

“We’re going to see a lot of barbecuing all around the valley. Make sure your hoses are in good condition. Make sure your grills are clean, dirty grills full of grease, they’re inherently more dangerous than a clean grill . . . Make sure that they’re squared away, ready to go, so they’re not more hazardous than they need to be,” he said.

Before you fire up the grill this holiday, here’s what the NFPA said you should remember in order to stay safe .

Safety Tips:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, under eaves, and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

What to keep in mind with charcoal grills:

• If you use a starter fluid when charcoal grilling, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

What to keep in mind with propane grills:

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. NFPA says that a propane leak will release bubbles. If you notice that 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 it doesn’t stop, call your local fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get way from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and off and wait at least five minutes before re-lighting it.

If a fire does start, officials said to call 911 immediately.

“Most of the time, if you get us started early, we can get there and help mitigate that emergency before it turns big,” Porter said.

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