By Paul Ricard of Grill
Tanks Plus, LLC, Monday, 6/20/16
Summertime is here and
what nostalgia, if not dreamy days, bird’s chirping and the smell
of BBQ in the air comes to mind when one thinks about these coming
months?
However, disaster can
quickly turn what was supposed to be nostalgic into tragedy.
According to the U.S. Fire
Administration, about 6,000 BBQ Grill fires will take place on
residential properties this year, tolling up to 40 million in damages
and moreover sending about 100 people to the emergency room. Of those
100, 10 will die.
In reality, those numbers
could be far smaller if people would follow some simple steps to
ensure BBQ Grill safety. Follow these tips and you can ensure a safe
summer to remember!
1. Always turn the grill
off at the gas source first, then the burners. This ensures that the
gas does not remain in the exposed lines.
2. Always follow the
grill manual and instructions.
3. Do not allow children
to play near the grill or propane tanks. Also take steps to educate
your children about the grill and tanks.
4. For charcoal grills,
use only lighter fluid designed for grilling. Never use gasoline or
other flammable liquids, and never add lighter fluid once the fire
has started.
5. Always be sure to
operate the grill and well ventilated areas. Never grill in a
garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under any surface that can
burn.
6. Use leak-detection
solution, available at most propane retailers, to check all
connections for tightness.
7. Keep the grill lid
open when lighting. This is one that many people neglect. It’s
obvious why this is a bad idea. If the gas accumulates inside the
grill, it can cause an explosion.
8. Check the grill hose
regularly for cracks, brittleness and leaks. The solution mentioned
in tip 5 is great to use!
9. Cover disconnected
hose-end fittings and burner air intakes with small plastic bags or
fitting caps for protection when the grill is not in use.
10. Make sure the grill
is shut off and cooled before covering it.
Safety tips and stat’s
supplied by www.grilltanksplus.com, the U.S. Fire Administration,
Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Propane Gas Association
and Propane Education & Research Council.
Authored By: Palm Beach Grill Center,
3351 N Federal Hwy Building B,
Delray Beach, FL 33483,
(561) 271-0454