Independence Day Safety Tips: Grilling & Fireworks

Summer is for BBQs

As Independence Day approaches, barbecues all over the country are being prepared for use, but firing up the grill also requires firing up some common sense.

Grills have been the cause of more than 8,000 fires per year, according to a 2012 study released by the National Fire Protection Association, damaging porches, patios, balconies and more. July is the peak month for grill-related fires, so this is a great time for people to review the steps that can keep barbecuing safe.

Titled "Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment," the NFPA report released in November looked at fire data from 2006 to 2010. Fire departments responded to an average of 8,600 home fires started by grills in each of those years, with an average of 10 deaths, 140 injuries, and $75 million in property damage. The NFPA report also said that 16,600 people went to hospital emergency rooms for injuries involving grills in 2011, with 7,800 of those injuries involving burns.

• Make sure your barbecue grill is on a level surface far enough away from homes, furniture, children and pets
• Check to see grill legs are sturdy and avoid grilling on a combustible surface such as a wooden deck.
• Position your grill so sparks and smoke won't fly towards people, furniture or buildings
• Avoid grilling in a confined space and if possible, don't grill on balconies and decks of apartments and condominiums
• Protect your hands and body by using long-handled grilling tools, potholder-type gloves and a heavy apron when over the grill
• Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from your grill
• Clean your grill after every use to avoid grease buildup at the bottom

For Charcoal Grills:

• Never allow burned coals to smolder in any container on a wooden deck and make sure to douse coals with water before they're disposed
• Do not discard used briquettes in a cardboard carton or any other combustible container
• Avoid using gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or a cigarette lighter to ignite a fire
• Do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire
• Only use enough charcoal to last for the amount of time it's needed
• Make sure the ash catcher is properly attached when using a kettle grill
• In the event of bad weather while grilling, do not move a grill indoors; hot charcoal can build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

For Gas Grills:

• Always store gas tanks in an upright position outside and away from your home or garage and out of the reach of children and pets
• Check to see tank valves are turned off when not in use
• To see if there may be a leak in a tube or connection, pour soapy water over it with the valve turned open – bubbles will appear if there is a leak. Should there be a leak, shut off the gas immediately and do not use the grill until it is repaired

And for all types of grilling, never leave your grill unattended when in use.  Taking time to check for safety will have everyone remembering your outdoor party for the right reasons.


Fireworks Can Be Pretty But Also Dangerous

Family, friends, food, and fun are a major part of Independence Day celebrations. But for many, a Fourth of July celebration is not complete without an exciting display of fireworks. Far too often, though, what is supposed to be a fun celebration turns into an emergency situation simply because of the improper assessment of potential hazards that lead to accidents

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) shares that more fires are reported on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year in the United States. The number of fires on July Fourth is more than twice that of an average day. According to NFPA data, “Fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fire.” Last year’s Fireworks Report from the NFPA revealed that fireworks caused about 15,500 fires with 1,100 reported structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and approximately 14,100 fires outside or in other locations.  Approximately 7,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms every year for fireworks-related injuries and most of those incidents involve children.

Here are a few safety tips to remember:

Always read and follow label directions

Only use fireworks outdoors

Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks

Only light one firework at a time

Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks

Fireworks should only be used with close adult supervision

Never give fireworks to small children

Be sure to have water handy

Never throw fireworks at another person

Remember to call your local 911 for emergencies

Keep the pets at home.  Loud noises are can scare your pet.