Outdoor grilling is a favorite summer pastime. The Fort Wayne Fire Department reminds you to enjoy grilling season, but keep safety in mind.
PREPARE FOR SAFETY FIRST
- Position your grill a safe distance from your house or any building and be aware of your surroundings.
- Place grills on flat and stable ground.
- Never use a grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, under an awning or overhang that might catch fire.
- Always have a spray bottle and a fire extinguisher handy.
GAS GRILLS
- Check the hoses on your gas grill for any cracking and brittleness to address potential leaks
- Drip soapy water over the hoses and around the fittings. Any bubbles forming means there is a propane leak
- Never start a gas grill with the lid closed.
CHARCOAL GRILLS
- Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire. Both can cause an explosion.
- Dispose of charcoal away from kids and pets, and cool it down with a hose. Coals get HOT – up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container. Consider wetting down ashes to ensure all embers are out.
SAFETY WHILE COOKING
- Grills are HOT - while heating and after cooking.
- Never leave the grill unattended, especially when young children or pets are nearby.
- Never attempt to restart a fire by adding additional lighting fluid to an already-lit grill, as this can cause a flare-up.
- Keep kids, pets and bare hands away from the grill.
- Use insulated, flame retardant mitts and long-handled barbeque tongs and utensil when grilling.
