Grilling Gone Wrong: 9 Ways to Prevent Fires
WACO, Texas (PRWEB) May 21, 2015 -- Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to head outdoors with family and friends to fire up the grill for a cookout. In fact, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, 80 percent of all U.S. households own a grill or smoker, and the most popular grilling occasions are Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Grilling can also be a recipe for fire disaster.
The National Fire Protection Association says gas grills were involved in an average of 7,200 home fires per year, including 3,000 structure fires and 4,200 outdoor fires annually. Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,400 home fires, including 600 structure fires and 700 outside fires.
To prevent property fires or injury while grilling, consider these tips from the experts at Rainbow International:
• Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors.
• Place grills a safe distance from overhanging branches, deck railings, eaves and siding. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends placing a grill at least 10 feet away from a home or building.
• Stabilize the grill on a level surface to avoid tipping.
• Ensure that the grill is placed away from pets, children, or any activities and that it’s never left unattended.
• Use grilling utensils that have long handles and keep objects that can ignite away from the grill.
• Remove grease and fat buildup in the trays below a grill to prevent ignition from the heat.
• If using a charcoal grill, use the proper type of charcoal starter fluid and keep the container away from children. Never add charcoal starter fluid or any other type of fluids to the grill after the coals have already been ignited.
• If using a propane grill, check the gas hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Applying a light soap and water solution to the hose will allow homeowners to quickly know if the hose has a leak if it has bubbles.
• If a gas smell is present while using a propane grill, move away from the grill immediately and call the fire department.
“Fire is a traumatic event for any property owner and preventing fires is always a priority,” said Mark Welstead, President of Rainbow International. “However, accidents do occur. If a fire disaster does occur, you can always count on us to restore your property and your life, so that you can begin to recover.”
With the right safety tips, homeowners can celebrate Memorial Day with a cookout while protecting their home and family at the same time. If fire tragedy strikes, the professionals at Rainbow International can help. Give them a call at 888-426-3533 or visit RainbowIntl.com to start the restoration immediately.
Kimberly Denman, The Dwyer Group, +1 (254) 537-0609, [email protected]
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