Oklahoma Grilling Fire Safety Tips

It’s the time of year again when Tulsa residents are firing up their grills for a season of flavorful barbecue and other favorite grilling foods. Whatever you’re grilling, though, it’s good to be mindful of fire safety. And because you’re working with fire while grilling, it’s a good idea to keep your fire extinguisher handy. Regular fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance can help you ensure your extinguisher is ready to go if you need it.

The (NFPA) National Fire Protection Association noted that June and July are peak months for home fires involving grilling fires. According to a 2013 NFPA report, gas grills were involved in an yearly average of 7,200 home fires between 2007 and 2011, with charcoal or other solid-fueled grills responsible for an annual average of 1,400 home fires, many of which started on an exterior balcony, patio, courtyard, or terrace.

“Grilling season is a great time of year for families and friends to have cookouts and tailgate, but before starting the season, be sure your grill is working properly and review safety tips,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy for NFPA. “Propane gas hose leaks or breaks were the leading factors contributing to gas grill fires. It is good practice to check for damage before using it for the first time each year, and to clean and check the entire grill regularly.”

Here are a few outdoor grilling safety tips from the NFPA:

Charcoal and propane grills should only be used outside.

Grills should be placed well away from the home and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Don’t leave your grill unattended.

Always remain alert when grilling. Don’t grill if you are sleepy or when drinking alcohol.

Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area, and remove flammable materials from around the grill.

Propane Grills: Check the gas tank hose of the grill for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose is a good way to check for leaks. You can often smell a propane leak, but propane will also release bubbles when the soap and water solution is applied. If you notice a leak by either of these methods, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

Make sure your gas grill lid is open before igniting.

If you smell gas while cooking, immediately move away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

If the flames go out for any reason, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it.

Keep your grill clean by regularly removing grease or fat buildup from the grates and trays below.

Charcoal grill safety tips:

There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel. If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquid to the flames.

Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

Electric charcoal starters 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 with a lid.

These are just a few fire safety tips for grilling outdoors this summer. For more grilling and outdoor fire safety information, visit http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/outdoors.

Mac Systems in Tulsa and OKC can help you with your fire detection and fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance. We offer complete Tulsa and OKC fire detection and suppression systems.