As Memorial Day weekend approaches, home chefs everywhere are reaching for their grills, eager to usher in the long-awaited barbecue season (admit it, I know you're one of them!). To that end, NFPA recommends that grillers pay particular attention to safety this spring and summer when home fires involving grilling incidents occur most often. These days, we know that people grill throughout the year of course, but maybe you didn't realize that July is the peak month for grilling fires, followed by May, June and August? It's true! So we need to stay mindful and focused on our grills when we're cooking, especially when entertaining with friends and family as all that activity around us can be distracting.
According to NFPA's latest "Home Grill Fires" report, failing to properly clean the grill before use is a big contributing factor to a fire. So beforeyou roll out the grill for the first time this season and start piling on the steaks and veg, take a good look at it. Has the grill been stored away all winter? Lift the hood, inspect the grates and hose connections. Not sure what to look for? See a problem but you're not sure what to do about it? Our short video and step-by-step process from NFPA expert, Guy Colonna, will walk you through the process.
On average, between 2009 - 2013, 8,900 home fires involved grills, hibachis or barbecues each year. So it's important to always pay attention to your cooking. With any luck, our spring and summer season will last a good long time! And that will surely mean more meals being cooked over an open flame. Take the time now to review safety tips. Go to our grilling fire safety webpage and download (for free!) our tips sheet; tack it to the fridge. Go back to it every now and again to remind yourself of what to do. And don't forget to share what you learn with friends and family. Love social media? Share our specially made posts for whatever platform you use most. You'll find them on our webpage, too!
So get grilling, everyone! Enjoy the summer months the NFPA way and stay (fire) safe this season! Happy summer!
https://community.nfpa.org/community/safety-source/blog/2016/05/17/keep-grilling-safety-top-of-mind