Summer Safety Tips For Grilling
By Naval Safety Center Public Affairs

Each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas-grill fires and explosions. Many of these mishaps occur when someone first uses a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill’s gas container.

Each year about 30 people die and more than 100 are injured as a result of carbon monoxide fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used inside. During the 2003 to 2006 timeframe, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year.

In an average of 2,900 of these fires, a structure caught fire. In an average of 5,000 fires, something else burned. These 7,900 fires caused an average of 120 reported injuries and $80 million in property damage.

Although gas grills are used roughly 1.5 times as often as charcoal grills, they were involved in five times as many fires. Gas grills were involved in 6,400 home fires, including 2,100 structure fires and 4,300 outdoor fires.

When using a gas or charcoal grill, follow these “do’s and don’t” tips:

• Keep your grill at least three feet away from your house, porch, shed, trees or bushes.

• Use starter fluid that is made especially for barbecue grills. Follow the instructions about how to apply and light it.
 
• Don’t squirt starter fluid on a fire after you’ve already tried to start it.

• Never use gasoline to try to start or restart charcoal. Gasoline is incredibly explosive and dangerous.
 
• If you have a gas grill, make sure you read and follow the instructions about how to use and store it.

• Make sure the valves work and that you are completely familiar with how to use them and with their purpose. Make sure they are off when you aren’t using the grill.

• Store gas cylinders outside and keep them away from buildings.
 
• If your grill needs repairs, take it to an authorized dealer or repair shop.

• Keep children away from the grill both while you are cooking, and after you finish while the grill is still hot and when hot coals remain.

• Don’t leave lit grills unattended.