Tips for Staying Safe While Enjoying your Summer BBQ

Every year U.S. fire departments respond to nearly 10,000 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues, according to the National Fire Protection Association. That's a staggering number. These fires result in an average of 10 civilian deaths each year, 160 reported injuries, and more than $13 million in direct property damage.

Of the nearly 10,000 fires each year, 4,100 are structure fires and 5,500 are outside property/unclassified damage. Almost all of the $13 million in losses each year are from the structure fires. That's an average of $31,000 and change per structure damaged &emdash; these aren't little fires.

Clean the Grill

The NFPA report previously mentioned tells us that 22% of the structure fires were the result of a grill that hadn't been cleaned. Taking time to clean the grill before each use seems like a messy and unpleasant chore that seems to yield minimal benefit. However, that 22% number is eye-catching.

Cleaning the grill before lighting it up isn't about making food taste better; it's about protecting yourself, your family, and your home.

Stay away from flammable material

A startling 17% of grill-based home fires start because the grill was set up too close to flammable material. That's 1 in 6 fires. Give your grill lots of space, keep it away from walls, low overhangs, fences, dry grass, or anything else that is combustible.

Watch the fire

Don't turn your back on a fire. One in 6 backyard grilling fires stem from inattention. Having a water hose close at hand is a good risk management tool also.

Know the difference between gas and charcoal grills

It's important to be aware that gas grills have a tank full of additional fuel hooked up to them while charcoal bags are usually stored a little bit farther away.

The NFPA reports that from 2011-2015, 82% of home fires caused by outdoor grilling involved gas grills. Twelve percent of gas grill fires reported in that interval were the result of a leak or break in the gas line, regulator, or tank of gas grills. Inspect your gas lines and valve frequently. The sniff test is handy. If you smell anything unpleasant near your propane tank, think twice about lighting that match.

A spray bottle of soapy water can help to spot tiny leaks. Douse the suspect area with several sprays of soapy water and look for bubbles forming.

Keep children away from the grill

Keep small children well away from the grill! The NFPA reports that children under five account for 35% of contact-type burns reported every year. These burns result from accidentally touching the hot grill or hot coals. Please keep your children at a safe distance, and dispose of spent charcoal only after it is thoroughly cold. In 2015, the Charlotte Observer reported that three house fires in Charlotte, NC were the result of smoldering charcoal being dumped into trash cans.