Outdoor grilling season requires attention to safety

As the unofficial start of summer, the Memorial Day weekend also heralds the full-blown arrival of the outdoor grilling season.

The leading causes of uncontained fires caused by grilling include a failure to clean properly, having the grill too close to something flammable, and leaving a grill unattended.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York urges New Yorkers to observe some basic rules and to call 911 in case of an emergency:

Before grilling:

• Check grill thoroughly for leaks, cracking or brittleness before use;

• Check tubes leading to the burner regularly for blockages. Check specific grill manufacturer’s instructions.

• Place grill at least 10 feet away from house, garage or trees.

• Store and use grill on a large, flat surface that cannot burn.

• Don’t use grills in a garage, on a porch, deck or on top of anything that can catch fire. Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof.

• Keep children away from fires and grills. Establish a safety zone around the grill and monitor children.

• Before getting a propane cylinder filled, check for any damages to it.

• Never transport or store propane cylinders in the trunk of your automobile.

During grilling:

• Keep children away from the grill.

• Don’t wear loose clothing that might catch fire.

• Use long-handled barbecue tools and/or flame-resistant mitts.

• Never use any flammable liquid other than a barbecue starter fluid to start/freshen a fire.

• Never pour or squirt starter fluid onto an open flame. The flames can easily flash back along the fluid’s path, to the container.

• Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill; they are flammable.

• Never leave grill unattended.

Grill safely:

• When lighting a propane grill, make sure all the connections are secure and open the lid and strike match or lighter before turning on the gas.

• Always shut off the propane fuel at the grill and at the bottle when finished grilling.

• Store grill and propane cylinder outdoors.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe use, cleaning and maintenance.

• Test cylinder for leaks on a regular basis. When testing for leaks, never use matches or an open flame. Use soapy water or a leak detector.

• Store cylinder away from heat and insert a safety plug on the valve.

After grilling:

• Follow manufacturer’s cleaning and storing instructions.

• Keep grill clean and free of grease buildup.

• Never store liquid or pressurized fuels inside your or near any possible sources of flame.

In event of a grilling fire:

• For propane grills, turn off the burners. For charcoal grills, close the grill lid. Disconnect the power to electric grills.

• For propane grills, if tank valve can be reached safely, shut it off.

• If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department.

• If there is any type of fire that either threatens personal safety or endangers property, always call the fire department.

• Never attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water. It will only cause the flames to flare up. Use an approved portable fire extinguisher.