MISS

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photo by Donna newman

My golly Miss Molly – why’s a sweet dog like you still at the shelter? Miss Molly’s about two years and came to the shelter as a stray about four months ago. She’s the complete package, sweet, calm, easy to walk and tolerant of other dogs. we think she would make a great companion for almost any family. whether you have small kids, you’re an empty-nesters, grandparents, or singles, Missy Molly will add joy to your home! In order to adopt, you must fill out an application, pay an adoption fee, and have your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines. all adopted cats and dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccinations before they go home. CnY SPCa is located at 5878 east Molloy Road, Syracuse. For more information about adoption, call 315-4544479, email frontdesk1@cnyspca. org or visit cnyspca.org.

Our vOiCE

Grilling season

While many Central New Yorkers would contend that winter is no reason not to cook outside on the grill, for many summer is the traditional season for when it comes to grilling and other forms of outdoor cooking.

Whether it is burgers and hotdogs, smoking ribs or brisket for hours, whipping up a more complicated dish or cooking up seafood, vegetarian options like Portobello mushrooms or newer meatless alternatives, many would agree there is just something about food that has been cooked on the grill.

There is a flavor that many look forward to enjoying during these long summer days spent with friends and family enjoying an afternoon or evening outside relaxing and sharing good food together.

But whether it is a high end outdoor kitchen arrangement, a gas grill, charcoal or even roasting some hot dogs and marshmallows over a fire, it is important to keep certain safety measures in mind as these fires cause an average of $37 million in damage annually to properties, structures, and possessions, including gazebos, sheds, and lawn furniture. And thousands of people visit emergency rooms every year because they’ve burned themselves while grilling.

According to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) emergency departments nationwide have seen a significant rise over the past decade in the number of visits from grilling injuries, with an 18% ris e in patients being treated in emergency departments for grilling-related injuries over the past 10 years. NFPA dat a shows that from 2014-2018, fire departments responded to an annual average of 10,600 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues. This includes 4,900 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires. These fires resulted in an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries, and $149 million in direct property damage.

Some basics of grilling safety include keeping a fully functioning fire extinguisher close by and making sure you know how to use it in the event it is needed.

It is also good to get into the habit of keeping your grill or other cooking surfaces clean.

The build up of grease and fat can cause flare ups that might not only ruin your food but may lead to a potentially more serious fire.

It is also important to remember to grill in a well ventilated area.

The potential for carbon monoxide to build up, particularly with charcoal, can pose a potential health risk.

AAA has shared a number of other tips to help ensure you and your guests are safe when cooking outdoors.

Before grilling, read and follow the owner’s manual.

Place your grill at least 10 feet away from walls and deck railings to prevent fires from igniting buildings. Keep your grill away from decorations, such as hanging plants and umbrellas.

People should also never leave a lit grill unattended.

If the flame on your grill goes out, turn the grill and gas off. Wait at least 15 minutes before relighting and always make sure your grill lid is open before igniting.

Maintenance and storage are also important considerations.

When setting up at the start of grilling season, check grill hoses for cracks, holes, and blockages. Blockages caused by food drippings or insects can be cleared with a wire or pipe cleaner.

Run a soap solution – one part liquid soap, one part water – along hoses and at connections. If the solution bubbles, then there is a gas leak that needs repair.

Store propane tanks outside and away from your home. Always check to ensure that valves are turned off.

AAA also recommends being aware of what is covered by insurance should a property owner have an accident.

Following the tips above may help prevent a grill fire from spreading to your home, but if a fire does occur, a standard homeowners policy typically covers the following: Damage to the primary residence; Damage to personal possessions, such as tables or lawn chairs; Damage to insured structures on your property, such as sheds or gazebos; and Injuries to a guest, under the liability portion of the policy.

By taking a few minutes to ensure you and your grill are being as safe as possible, it will help to make sure you and your guests can enjoy your time together enjoying good company and good food this summer.