With barbecue season in full swing, outdoor cooks ought to
be reminded that charcoal and gas grill accidents annually
account for 20,000 emergency room visits and cause more
than 6,000 fires and explosions nationwide, according to
the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Additionally, such accidents cause up to $30 million in
property damage each year. To help reduce accidents, fire
alarm installers and safety specialists can give end users
some helpful tips to avoid barbecuing nightmares.
Users should avoid placing grills too close to structures
and flammable materials; never leave a grill unattended;
keep a chemical fire extinguisher handy as water cannot
extinguish a grease fire; and, should a fire occur, call
911 immediately.
Outdoor chefs should also avoid wearing long sleeves or
shirt tails that could easily catch fire, never add lighter
fluid to hot or warm coals and check for gas leaks when
using gas grills.
