Safe summer grilling is essential to summer fun

Hello, residents of Euclid! As summer comes into full swing, people will enjoy the warm weather by being outdoors. This includes firing up the grill and enjoying a cookout. The Euclid Fire Department wants you to be safe and use common sense this summer. 

There’s nothing like outdoor grilling; it’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. It can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you’ll be on your way to safe grilling:

1. Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.

2. Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line.

3. Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbeque.

4. The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. A June 16 fire, caused by a grill too close to a home, claimed the lives of six people in Warren, Ohio. Flames were seen shooting up to 30 feet in the air after the exterior siding and roof became engulfed in flames. Two adults and four children died. The home had no working smoke detectors.

5. Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

6. Keep your grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

7. Never leave your grill unattended.

Some of us prefer using charcoal grills to cook food. While the same safety rules apply, there are a few additional guidelines that should be observed:

1. Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the vapors can ignite.

2. Keep all lighter fluids out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

3. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container. Over the years, the Euclid Fire Department has responded to large fires in garages caused by hot coals being left too close to combustibles. We recommend you douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper, or wooden containers.

We hope you enjoy your summer! As always, if you need us, call us. We’ll be there! Stay safe!

Author’s note: Thanks to Fire Inspector Ken Smrdel for the valuable information that made this article possible.

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Volume 2, Issue 5, Posted 7:08 PM, 07.09.2011