grilling safety

Canton Fire Department Offers Grilling Safety Tips

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Canton Fire Department
Chief Charles E. Doody
99 Revere St.
Canton, MA 02021

For Immediate Release

Friday, Aug. 2, 2019

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

Canton Fire Department Offers Grilling Safety Tips

CANTON – Chief Charles Doody would like to remind Canton residents to make sure they’re practicing safe grilling habits while cooking outdoors this season.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, fire departments throughout the state responded to 474 fires involving grills, hibachis and barbecues between 2014 and 2018. The fires caused 19 civilian injuries, seven firefighter injuries and $3.8 million in property damage.

“Grilling is a favorite summer and fall pastime for many people,” Chief Doody said. “We want to urge residents to make sure they understand how to safely operate their grill as to not create a serious fire risk.”

To practice safe grilling and prevent grilling fires and injuries in the coming weeks and months, Chief Doody recommends the following safety tips provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Safety First

  • Always grill outdoors.
  • Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
  • Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
  • Grills must be 10 feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
  • Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
  • Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
  • 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.

Gas Grill Safety

  • Never leave a burning grill unattended.
  • Make sure that 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.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn off and get away from the grill. Call 911 from a
    safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Always turn off the burners and close the propane cylinder when done cooking.
  • Keep all propane outdoors, at least 10 feet away from building openings such as doors, windows and dryer vents, and 20 feet away from air intake vents and ignition sources.
  • Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • Replace propane cylinders that are old, rusty, or showing any other signs of disrepair.

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 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.
  • 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.

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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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