grilling safety

Gloucester Fire and Building Departments Offer Deck and Grilling Safety Tips

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 14, 2019

Media Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Gloucester Fire and Building Departments Offer Deck and Grilling Safety Tips

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith and Building Commissioner Bill Sanborn would like to remind residents to make sure their decks are structurally sound and their grilling stations adhere to safety protocols this summer.

Decks that are not properly built or maintained can collapse and cause significant injuries, as well as property damage.

“We’re encouraging residents to take a few minutes as summertime approaches to examine their decks and porches,” Sanborn said. “A deck in need of repair poses a significant danger to you and your loved ones, and it’s imperative that these structures are looked after.”

Sanborn has several tips for residents looking to perform a deck safety check:

  • Stand several yards away from your deck to view whether it appears to be uneven, leans away from the building or dips toward one corner.
  • Check the railings and make sure they are sturdy.
  • Check for loose boards on the deck and make sure that all balusters are properly secured.
  • Look for any rotten wood, rusting fasteners, wood joist separating from band joist or broken joists. Check that the blots that hold the deck to the house are tight and secure.
  • Do not overload your deck with furniture, people, sport equipment, etc.
  • If you do not feel comfortable performing the inspection or find that your deck needs repair, contact a construction specialist to answer your questions and make the necessary repairs.

The North American Deck and Railing Association also offers a checklist for deck safety checks.

Chief Smith would also like to remind residents to make sure they’re practicing safe grilling habits this year.

“A lot of people love grilling in the warmer weather, but failure to be vigilant while using your grill or storing it improperly is tremendously dangerous,” Chief Smith said. “Grills can be a serious fire hazard, and we’re asking residents to be responsible.”

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services has several tips for grilling safely in the coming weeks and months:

Safety First

  • Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
  • Place grills away from the house, deck railings and out from under eaves of overhanging branches.
  • Grills should only be used on first floor porches, decks, or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
  • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders.

Gas Grill Safety

  • Make sure the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
  • Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • Check the propane tank hose for potential leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle. See if any bubbles appear around the hose. If no bubbles appear, the grill is safe to use.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off and move away from it. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area. Cylinders should not be used, stored or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures.

Charcoal Grill Safety

  • Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never used gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals.
  • Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes emit carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
  • Properly dispose 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.

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Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department Offers Grilling Safety Tips

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Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department
George D. Kramlinger, Fire Chief
12 School Street
Manchester by the Sea, MA 01944

For Immediate Release

Monday, July 16, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department Offers Grilling Safety Tips

MANCHESTER BY-THE-SEA — As residents spend time outside this summer, Chief George D. Kramlinger and the Manchester by-the-Sea Fire Department would like to provide residents with grilling safety tips to prevent injuries and fires.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, fire departments in the state responded to 487 fires involving grills, hibachis and barbecues between 2012 and 2016. These fires caused 22 civilian injuries, three firefighter injuries and $4.5 million in property damage.

“Grill fires can easily get out of hand if users do not pay close attention and monitor where and what they’re cooking,” Chief Kramlinger said. “Familiarize yourself with the type of grill you have before using it, and make sure children and pets stay out of range at all times.”

In order to help prevent grilling fires and ensure residents remain safe while cooking outdoors, the Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department recommends the following tips provided by DFS:

Safety First

  • Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
  • Place grills away from the house, deck railings and out from under eaves of overhanging branches.
  • Grills should only be used on first floor porches, decks, or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
  • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders.
  • Never leave a burning grill unattended.

Gas Grill Safety

  • Make sure the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
  • Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • Check the propane tank hose for potential leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle. See if any bubbles appear around the hose. If no bubbles appear, the grill is safe to use.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off and move away from it. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area. Cylinders should not be used, stored or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures.

Charcoal Grill Safety

  • Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never used gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals.
  • Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes emit carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
  • Properly dispose 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.

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Newbury Fire Department Provides Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

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Newbury Fire Department
Chief Douglas Janvrin
3 Morgan Ave.
Newbury, MA 019510

For Immediate Release

Monday, May 14, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Newbury Fire Department Provides Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

NEWBURY — With Memorial Day just two weeks away, Chief Douglas Janvrin and the Newbury Fire Department would like to remind residents to be cognizant of several important grilling safety tips when cooking outdoors.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, fire departments in the state responded to 487 fires involving grills, hibachis and barbecues between 2012 and 2016. These fires caused 22 civilian injuries, three firefighter injuries and $4.5 million in property damage.

“With the warm weather finally upon us, we know everyone is excited to head outdoors, especially with the holiday weekend nearly upon us,” Chief Janvrin said. “While barbecuing, we urge residents to take caution when operating gas or charcoal grills.”

In order to help prevent grilling fires and ensure residents remain safe while cooking outdoors, Chief Janvrin recommends the following tips provided by DFS:

Safety First

  • Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
  • Place grills away from the house, deck railings and out from under eaves of overhanging branches.
  • Grills should only be used on first floor porches, decks, or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
  • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders.
  • Never leave a burning grill unattended.

Gas Grill Safety

  • Make sure the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
  • Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • Check the propane tank hose for potential leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle. See if any bubbles appear around the hose. If no bubbles appear, the grill is safe to use.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off and move away from it. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area. Cylinders should not be used, stored or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures.

Charcoal Grill Safety

  • Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never used gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals.
  • Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes emit carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
  • Properly dispose 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.

Anyone who has questions about grilling safely should contact the Newbury Fire Department at 978-462-2282.

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East Bridgewater Fire Chief Provides Grilling Safety Tips

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East Bridgewater Fire Department
Timothy Harhen, Fire Chief
268 Bedford St.
East Bridgewater, MA 02333

For Immediate Release

Monday, May 7, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

East Bridgewater Fire Chief Provides Grilling Safety Tips

EAST BRIDGEWATER — With the warmer weather now here, Chief Timothy Harhen would like to provide residents with grilling safety tips and also remind homeowners that the open burning period in town ended on May 1.

“Now that the warm weather is here and people are taking their grills out, it is important that residents take a few precautions to ensure everyone’s safety,” Chief Harhen said. “As a reminder, all grills must be at least 10 feet away from all buildings and structures, even when they are not in use.”

In order to prevent grilling fires and keep residents safe while cooking outdoors, East Bridgewater Fire recommends the following tips provided by the Department of Fire Services:

Safety First

  • Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
  • Place grills away from the house, siding, and deck railings and out from under leaves of overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
  • Never leave a burning grill unattended.

Gas Grills

  • Make sure the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
  • Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off and move away from it. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area. Cylinders should not be used, stored or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures.

Charcoal Grills

  • Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never use gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals.
  • Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
  • Properly dispose 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.

As a reminder to residents, open burning ended on May 1 and is no longer permitted.

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