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Archive for May 13th, 2011
Grill the steaks – not the house
Friday, May 13th, 2011

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the No. 1 cause of structure fires in the United States. While we typically think of kitchen fires when we think of cooking fires, today I’m going to speak to safety while grilling.

In a period from 2003-06, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills or barbecues each year, including an average of 2,900 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. These 7,900 fires caused an average of 10 civilian deaths, 120 reported injuries and $80 million in direct property damage each year. Of these 7,900 fires, 81 percent involved natural gas or propane grilles.

Grill the steaks - not the house!

For those readers that live in apartments, condos or any other multiple occupancy residential dwellings, the 2006 International Fire Code prohibits grilling devices on combustible balconies, decks or within 10 feet of combustible construction. For people who fall under these regulations, I recommend a common or shared barbecue that is maintained by your association in a park or common area.

For everyone else, some safety tips regarding safe grilling from the National Fire Protection Association are listed below.

SAFETY TIPS

  • Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your operating grill unattended.
  • Keep a glass of water near-by to extinguish flare-ups from the grease dripping on the burner.
  • There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
  • If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
  • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
  • There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
  • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
  • Check the gas tank on propane grill’s hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. This is accomplished by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane and/or natural gas leak will release bubbles.If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
  • Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
  • Light the grill immediately after turning the valves on.
  • Never try to ignite the grill with the cover in the closed position.
  • If the grill does not light immediately, close the valves, open the lid and allow the grill to air out for a few minutes before attempting to re-light it.Follow these tips and don’t burn the steaks.

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    Mower Safety is a Must
    Friday, May 13th, 2011

    Every summer, 30 million power lawn mowers are in use in the United States. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that each year, about 60,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries from lawn tools. Many of these injuries are burns caused by careless use of lawn mowers. Ensure your safety by following these tips when using and cleaning your mower:

    •     Do not smoke while fueling; gasoline is very explosive.

    •     Wait for the motor or engine to cool before refueling. Never fill the gas tank completely. Leave space at the top of the tank as heat causes gasoline to expand and fire can result if the gas spills onto the hot engine. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately as it can easily ignite when the engine is started. Never fuel a running mower.

    Mower Safety is a Must

    •     Store gasoline in approved containers with tight-fitting lids—never in glass or unapproved plastic containers.

    •     Do not store gasoline in the house. An open flame, spark, or pilot light such as those in water heaters or other appliances can ignite the fuel vapors.

    •     Check electric mower cords for frayed or damaged places. Make certain that the cord is plugged into a grounded outlet. Pulling the frayed cord while on damp or wet grass can cause lethal shocks or severe electrical burns.

    •     Leave blade sharpening and electric repairs to professionals.

    •     If you do your own cleaning and tune-up, disconnect the spark plug or remove it before beginning. If a blade is turned by hand, the mower can start if the spark plug is still intact.

    •     Do not operate a gasoline mower in an enclosed room while making adjustments or repairs. Gasoline engines give off toxic exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide.

    •     Never leave a running lawnmower unattended.

    Article Credits: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.

    Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.

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