Grilling Safety Tips
Byline to read: By Sue Quimby, CPCU, AU, CIC, CPIW, DAE, CLP-A – Senior Vice President
Few smells are more inviting than food cooking on the grill. However, grilling can be a dangerous activity. According to nfpa.org from 2017-2021, U.S. fire departments responded on average to 9,079 home and outside fires related to gas and solid fuel grills, smokers and hibachis. On average, 22,155 people went to the emergency room for treatment of grill injuries. These fires caused approximately 10 civilian deaths, 140 civilian injuries and $75 million in direct property damage . Helping your insureds understand the hazards and avoid property damage and injury is another sign of the true insurance professional.
Practicing grill safety can save lives. Start by checking to see if the grill has been recalled. Fill out the product registration card for a newly-purchased appliance to ensure you will be notified in the event the grill is subject to a recall.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that hoses for gas grills be checked every year to be sure they are not brittle or kinked, and are properly attached (cpsc.gov). Open the valves and brush a soap solution (equal parts water and dish detergent) on all connections to check for bubbles – a sure sign of leaks. Tighten connections and test again. If there are still bubbles, contact the manufacturer or your local fire department for further safety steps to take. Venturi tubes deliver oxygen and fuel to the burners and regulate the amount of flame. These should be checked to be sure they are not blocked by spider webs or dirt.
Keep the grill at least five feet away from buildings and other combustibles. Local ordinances vary as to how and where grills may be used, especially in multi-family residential communities. For example, some prohibit grills above the first floor. Store extra propane tanks outside, in an upright position and away from heat – NOT underneath the grill. After having the tank filled, take it home immediately. Do not leave it in the car.
If you need to relight a grill, turn off the gas, leave the top open, and wait five minutes for gas to dissipate. Never light a grill with the top closed. These steps will reduce the risk of explosion and potential for injury or property damage.
Charcoal and other solid fuels pose additional hazards. Never squirt lighter fluid on a lit grill. Flames can follow the stream back to the can, causing an explosion and severe burns. Douse used coals with plenty of water, and use a noncombustible scoop or shovel to put them into a fireproof container. Do not dump them on the ground where people and pets might step on them. Coals can reignite even after they appear to be cold. If possible, store covered for at least two days before discarding. Cold coals can be wrapped in aluminum foil and placed in the trash.
A grill should never be left unattended, even for a minute, especially when children and pets are around. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Exposed skin can burn from grease splatters or sparks, so wear a shirt and closed shoes when grilling. Avoid loose clothing.
Allow gas grills to cool completely before covering. Clean the grates and drip pan regularly to minimize flare ups. Several pounds of grease can build up after only a few uses. Don’t forget the trays under the grilling surface.
Burning grease forms a number of dangerous materials, including carbon monoxide and cancer-causing agents. Charcoal continues to release the deadly colorless, odorless gas until it is completely cool, so do not store a recently used charcoal grill indoors. Always cook outdoors, as cooking inside, even in a garage with the door open, can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that carbon monoxide from charcoal grills used inside causes about 25 deaths per year.
Grilling is a fun summertime activity. However, it can quickly lead to catastrophe if proper safety precautions are not followed. Helping clients prevent accidents and possible tragedies is another value-added service of the professional insurance agent.
This article is for educational and discussion purposes only and it is not insurance or legal advice and should not be relied upon when making insurance or legal decisions. Nothing herein shall be construed to constitute a legal or underwriting opinion. Nothing herein shall be construed as offering any political, social, or public policy opinion by the author or MSO. Neither the author nor MSO are responsible for errors in, or the accuracy or currentness of, the article.
