Summer's just around the corner and with that warm weather comes the joy of outdoor grilling. But with that joy should come some extra precautions when helming the grill to keep everyone safe and satisfied.
Patch sat down with Stamford Deputy Fire Marshal Ted Panagiotopoulos to get some highlights for proper grill safety when getting some burgers and steaks ready for family and friends.
"There are two types of grills; charcoal and propane. Both present unique issues," Panagiotopoulos said.
For propane grills, maintenance is important, Panagiotopoulos said. On the first light of the season, check hoses for leaks with a soapy liquid. Make sure to vent it out when lighting and, if there are initial issues getting it started, the National Fire Protection Association recommends airing it out for at least 15 minutes.
On charcoal grills, don't use any other igniter other than grill fluid, Panagiotopoulos said.
"We've had people try all kinds of things," he said. "Never use gasoline."
With charcoal grills, always allow the coals to cool down all the way before disposal and afterwards, put them in a metal container away from all buildings.
For all grills, never light them indoors, on upper-story balconies and keep them at least five feet away from combustible building materials and structures, he said. Also be sure to keep children playing no less than three feet away.
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