GRILLING FIRE FACTS According to the National Fire Protection Association: – July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August; – 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year, on average; – Roughly half of the injuries involving grills are thermal burns.
GENERAL GRILLING SAFETY
BY THOMAS WALTERS
To avoid grilling disasters and promote safe outdoor cooking all summer long, always keep in mind the following safety tips. – Grills should only be used outside, and placed on a level surface, far away from structures such as your house, deck railing, or overhead tree limbs. Kids, pets, and recreational activities should be kept away from the grill too. – Check to see that your grill’s 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 don’t grill on balconies and decks of apartments and condominiums. – Protect your hands and body by using potholder-type gloves and a heavy apron when cooking over the grill. – Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, and open flames away. – Be sure to keep the grill clean by removing grease or built-up fat from the cooking grate and the drip trays under it.
SAFE SUMMER
GRILLING ENJOY THE SIZZLE, NOT HAZARDOUS FIZZLE ... GRILLING SAFETY STEPS ARE KEY FOR ENJOYING SUMMERTIME COOKOUTS Firing up your backyard grill this weekend to cook dinner for friends and family, or are you planning on going camping for a fun summer getaway? Whether you’re grilling burgers or brats, steaks or seafood, make sure you’ve run through your grilling safety checklist before you ignite the
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charcoal briquettes or crank open the gas valve on the propane tank. Even the slightest oversight can spark danger, potentially leading to extensive property damage and severe burn injuries. Basic safety tips can keep your cookout from going up in flames. 50
CIRCA Magazine
| July • August • September 2021
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circamagazine.com
