For many Americans, grilling is synonymous with summer. As Memorial Day ushers in the unofficial start to the summer season, grilling safely will prevent a backyard barbecue from becoming a summer tragedy.
According to the U.S. Fire Association, approximately 5,000 Americans are injured by grill fires every year.
"The biggest mistakes is probably leaving the grill unattended and having a flare up from the grease dripping down," said Joe Beardsley, operations and training officer for the City of Warren Fire Department.
Beardsley stressed that a grill should never be left unattended.
Propane and charcoal grills must only be used outdoors. Even in enclosed spaces, such as party tents, grills pose not only a fire hazard but also a asphyxiation hazard with toxic gases emitted, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).
"People don't realize that (charcoal grills) still produce carbon monoxide and they shouldn't have them so close to the house when it can drift into the windows," Beardsley said.
Grill safety goes beyond the person operating the grill. The NFPA suggests declaring a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill. Children and pets are prohibited from entering the safe zone. By implementing the safe zone, children and pets are shielded from burns and the grill is less likely to be knocked over.
Different precautions must be taken for different types of grills.
For charcoal grills, using the proper substance to ignite the coals is important.
"People should just use charcoal lighter fluid and not kerosene," Beardsley said.
Also, the NFPA recommends not adding more starter fluid to coals which are already ignited.
For propane grills, maintenance is a key factor in safety.
The NFPA recommends checking the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using for the first time each year. To check for leaks, make a light soap and water solution and apply it to the hose. Leaks can be detected by bubbles made in the soap solution by escaping propane. If a leak is determined, either by the soap test or by smelling the gas, turn off the tank and call a professional to service the equipment. If the leak persists even after turning the tank and grill off, call the fire department.
If a smell of gas is emitted during cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.
Use only equipment with the label of a recognized testing laboratory and follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up and operate the grill.