Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

In an effort to reduce the number of fires caused by grilling, the Alameda County Fire Department released a number of tips to ensure safe grilling methods to follow during the holiday and summer barbeque season.

• Use your grill outside only.
• Periodically clean the grill to remove grease or fat buildup in trays underneath.
• When your grill is in use, it should be kept in an open space, away from anything that might catch fire, including siding, deck railings, eaves or tree branches.
• Keep your grill away from play areas or places with high foot traffic.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Using long-handled cooking utensils will help prevent burns.
• Each year, check your propane cylinder hose for leaks. Apply a light soap and water solution to the house. Bubbles will reveal escaping propane.
• If you suspect your grill has a leak, through the bubble test or by smell, and there is no flame:
  • Turn off the tank and the grill off.
  • If the leak stops, get the grill serviced.
  • If the leak doesn't stop, call the fire department.
• If you use a charcoal grill, be sure to store starter fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid to coals or kindling that you've already ignited.
• Allow charcoals to cool before disposing in a metal container.

From 2004 to 2008, fire departments responded to an average of 7,700 home fires involveing grills, hibachis or barbeques, according to the National Fire Protection Association.