Grill Safety

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Grill fires can cause extensive damage and injuries. It is important to practice safe grilling this summer!

With summer and grilling season approaching, our team at SERVPRO of Evanston thought it was important to compile some tips for safe grilling as well as what to do in the event of a grill fire. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, an average of 19,000 patients end up in emergency rooms due to grill-related injuries each year. Gas and charcoal grills also cause approximately 4,200 house fires per year. 

Here are a few grilling safety tips we thought it may be helpful to share. 

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors. 
• Keep your grill clean to prevent fires. 
• Start a gas grill with the lid open. 
• Do not leave a grill unattended. 
• Never apply lighter fluid to hot coals. 
• Light charcoal in a charcoal chimney. 
• Keep your grill stable and give it plenty of space. 

In the event that there is a grill fire, here's what you can do to safely put it out and get help. 

• Turn off the burners on a gas or propane grill if you can safely reach the knobs. 
• Throw salt, baking soda, or sand on the fire to smother it. 
• Never put water on a grease fire -- it will only make it worse. 
• Close the grill lid to starve the fire of oxygen. 
• If the propane tank is involved in the fire, evacuate the area and call 911 for help. 

Remember, in the event of a fire SERVPRO of Evanston’s Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours, 365 days a year to help. 

For fire cleanup and restoration, call (847)-763-7010.