Nothing says summer like the smell of barbecue wafting through our neighborhoods. The Mentor Fire Department wants to offer a couple of safe grilling tips.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 10,000 home fires per year are caused by grilling. Both charcoal and gas grills can cause significant damage to home and injuries to people if not used properly. Stay fire-safe this summer.
- Only use your grill outside and keep it 3 feet away from siding, deck rails, and eaves.
- Keep a 3 foot safety zone about your grill. This will keep kids and pets safe.
- Always open the lid of the grill before lighting.
- Don’t leave a grill unattended. If you are cooking never walk away.
- Clean the grill after every use.
- If using a charcoal grill, place coals from the grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled.
- Keeping your grill in tip-top shape matters. Regularly inspect gas burners, lines, and connectors for damage or leaks. If you smell gas while cooking – turn your grill off immediately!
- Cleaning your grill is important as well. Drippings from fatty meats and oils from marinades can build up and lead to a grease fire.
- In case of a grease flareup, never use water to extinguish the flame. Grease fires must be smothered to be put out. If you are able, close the lid of the grill and turn off the heat source.
- If the flames do not die down, it’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy wherever you’re cooking. Not all fire extinguishers are designed to put out grease fires.
- Make sure the extinguisher is rated to fight gas, oil (Class B) or grease fires (Class K).
If you do have a fire emergency call 9-1-1. The Mentor Fire Department is available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.