Lawrence Police Offer Barbecue Grill Safety Tips

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by Lawrence Township Police.

Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Safety tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

Charcoal grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Propane grills

Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

• In 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,200 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,800 outside fires. These 8,200 fires caused an annual average of 15 civilian deaths, 120 civilian injuries and $75 million in direct property damage.
• More than one-quarter (29 percent) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 28 percent started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 6 percent started in the kitchen.
• Flammable or combustible gas or liquid was the item first ignited in half of home outdoor grill fires. In 50 percent of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, 55 percent of the outside gas grills, and 36 percent of gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire.

The Lawrence Township Public Safety Committee wants you to be safe and have a great summer season.

The Lawrence Township Public Safety Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Lawrence Township Municipal Building at the Manger’s Conference Room. The public is invited to attend. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.

Source of Information: National Fire Protection Association located at http://www.nfpa.org/.