Phoenix-area grill masters have a favorable year-round climate for outdoor cooking. At 123HELP, our goal is that your outdoor grilling is enjoyable and safe! It is reported that sixty-four percent of Americans own an outdoor gas or charcoal cooking device. In Phoenix, the averages are slightly higher. Unfortunately, with this much outdoor cooking accidents happen.
What is the Fire Safety Concerns About Outdoor Cooking?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns families that, on average, 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year. Across America, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 10,600 home, structure, and outdoor fires involving grills per year. These specific fires cause about ten deaths, 169 injuries, and $149 million in direct property damage losses annually.
Essential Safety Tips for Gas / Propane Grills:
- Check the gas tank for leaks before using
- Open the lid on all gas grills before lighting the grill
Phoenix-area grill masters have a favorable year-round climate for outdoor cooking. At 123HELP, our goal is that your outdoor grilling is enjoyable and safe! It is reported that sixty-four percent of Americans own an outdoor gas or charcoal cooking device. In Phoenix, the averages are slightly higher. Unfortunately, with this much outdoor cooking accidents happen.
Basic Safety Tips for Charcoal Grills:
- Use only charcoal starter fluid to start the fire but never add it or any other flammable liquids to a burning fire
- Cool coals entirely before you dispose of them in a metal container
For All Grills:
- Place the grill well away from house and deck railings.
- Don’t place a grill under eaves or branches.
- Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and trays after each use.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
- Never leave the grill unattended when in use.
For the Phoenix Area, Additional Gas Grill Safety Tips:
Because of the desert heat, especially during the summer, in the Phoenix metropolitan area, outdoor grill masters need to be especially aware of the condition of their propane tanks, including storing and transporting propane tanks.
- Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, and leaks.
- Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose.
- Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
- Always keep propane gas containers upright.
- Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill.
- Never keep a filled propane container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, opening the relief valve and allowing gas to escape.
Deep Fryers:
Deep frying turkeys for the holidays continues to grow in popularity, and so do accidents. The U.S. fire departments respond to more than 1,000 fires involving deep fryers each year, resulting in an average of five deaths, 60 injuries, and the destruction of 900 homes causing more than $15 million in property damage, according to the NFPA.
If you use a deep fryer, be sure to keep it away from your house. Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from any structure, a good rule of thumb. Find a flat location for cooking. Keep children and pets away and never leave them unattended. Never leave your deep fryer alone. The most common hazard with deep fryers is filling the oil reservoir to the level where it spills over when the turkey is put into the cooker. The spilling grease ignites, followed by an explosion of flames. Avoid this problem by having the oil level be able to add the turkey without overflowing.
- Always have a fire extinguisher at the ready, and know how to use it
- NEVER use WATER on a grease fire.
The 123HELP team wishes you safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking. Remember, if you should ever require fire and smoke cleanup, you can count on the services of a Fire and Smoke Cleanup company approved by 123HELP.
