Chief Edward N. Richards would like to remind Enfield residents to practice safe grilling habits while cooking outdoors this season.
“Grills can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly or left unattended,” Chief Richards said. “While residents are grilling outdoors this summer, we encourage them to exercise extreme caution to prevent any injury or fire from occurring.”
Chief Richards would like to share the following safety tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association:
Safety First
- Always grill outdoors.
- Grills should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and away from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders. Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
Charcoal Grill Safety
- Use only charcoal starter fluid. Gasoline and kerosene should not be used to start a fire in a grill. Never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals. Doing so may cause a flash fire and result in serious burn injuries.
- Charcoal chimney starters are one way to help you start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
- Keep charcoal fluid away from children and heat sources.
- Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Never use charcoal grills indoors.
- If using an electric charcoal starter, be sure to use an extension cord that is properly fitted for outdoor use.
- For proper disposal of grill ashes, allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.
Propane Grill Safety
- Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
- Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a leak and there is no flame, immediately turn off the grill and gas tank. If the leak stops, get your grill serviced by a professional before use. If the leak continues after shutting the grill off, contact the fire department immediately.
- If you smell gas while cooking, call the fire department right away and step away from the grill. Do not move it.
- If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least five minutes before turning it back on.
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