FORT BELVOIR, Va. - With Father's Day and 4th of July coming up, the smells of hamburgers cooking on the grill will soon be drifting around Fort Belvoir. Safety precautions need to be taken so your barbecue will end in a great meal, and not in a trip to the hospital.
In the news last fall, a man ignored the safety warnings and started a charcoal fire with gasoline. When the fire didn't ignite to his satisfaction, he poured more gas on the charcoal. The gas can exploded in his hands. He only remembers bits and pieces of what happened that afternoon. He does know he spent 42 days in the hospital and had $20,000 worth of medical bills.
He was not the only one to ignore safety warnings. Statistics released by the National Fire Protection Association indicate gas and charcoal grills caused an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires in or on home properties in 2005. These fires resulted in a combined direct property loss of $137 million.
"On Belvoir, a problem we have seen is that grills are too close to houses and the heat melts the siding. Grills need to be back at least three feet from any structure, object, brush or tree. Keep in mind grills are prohibited on decks of condos, townhouses, and apartments," said Ronald Martin, acting assistant fire chief.
Grilling Safety from the Installation Safety Office:
Before You Start:
Aca,!Ac Check the grill to make sure it's clean. Accumulated food and grease can cause a flare up.
Aca,!Ac Set grill on level surface to it won't tip over
Aca,!Ac Ensure the grill is a safe distance away from grass, brush and anything combustible. That way, the wind won't carry the sparks to ignite a fire.
Aca,!Ac Don't wear loose clothing that could get too close to the grill. Wear an apron to guard against spatters of hot grease.
Aca,!Ac Use long-handled tools and have water ready to spray on stubborn flare ups. Lighting the Fire:
Aca,!AcStack charcoal in the a pyramid in the middle of the grill
Aca,!Ac Pour on charcoal lighter fluid; let it soak in for a minute or two
Aca,!Ac Ignite the coals by tossing a match in or using a long match
Aca,!Ac Don't toss the match while your hand is too close and do not use a cigarette lighter
Aca,!Ac Coals are ready when they are mostly covered by ash; spread the coals evenly along the bottom, setting more charcoals around the edge of the grill to be moved into the fire later
Aca,!Ac Before putting meat on, trim excess fat
Aca,!Ac Don't leave the grill unattended
Aca,!Ac If the fire becomes too hot, separate the coals and raise the rack When you're finished:
Aca,!Ac Douse the coals with water, cover the grill and close the vents
Aca,!Ac Never put coals back into the bag
Aca,!Ac Never bring coals inside. They give off deadly carbon monoxide
Aca,!Ac Once the grill is cool, see if it needs cleaning National Fire Protection Association Grilling Safety
Tips: Charcoal Grill Safety Tips
Aca,!Ac Charcoal produces carbon monoxide when it is burned, it is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year, about 30 people die and 100 are injured as a result of fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used inside.
Aca,!Ac Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, tents or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.
Aca,!Ac Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store a grill indoors with freshly used coals.
Aca,!Ac "Be sure to cool the coals before disposal. When disposing of coals, make sure they always go in a metal container. Plastic containers can melt and others can start a fire," said Martin. Gas Grill Safety Tips
Gas Grill Safety Tips
Aca,!Ac Liquid petroleum gas, or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year, about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these fires and explosions occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas container. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely perform the following safety checks:
Aca,!Ac Consumers should use caution when storing LP gas containers. Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
Aca,!Ac To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, consumers should transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
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