Grilling Season Officially Underway

Cooking out some hot dogs and hamburgers for family and friends? Splurged on some thick steaks to throw on the grill?

Memorial Day marks the start of the summer grilling season. That’s why Amica Insurance is offering tips to help prevent grill fires.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that gas grills led to an average of 7,100 home fires between 2006 and 2010. Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills, meanwhile, caused approximately 1,200 home fires per year during that same period, according to a news release issued by Amica.

Amica Insurance is sharing the following tips from the NFPA to help protect your family and property from grill fires:

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outside, and they should be placed away from your house, deck railings, eaves and branches.
• Make sure children and pets are kept away from the grill at all times, and never leave the grill unattended.
• Remove grease and fat from the grill itself and from trays below the grill.
• If using a propane grill, check for gas leaks by applying soapy water to the hose. If there is a leak, bubbles will appear. Turn off the tank and grill immediately.
• If using a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. Keep all other flammable liquids away from the grill.