6 Grilling Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe
Summer time and warmer weather means an increased use of outdoor grills - and, unfortunately, more grill-caused injuries and fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year an average of 9,600 home fires are caused by grilling, and close to half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns.
Here are 6 ways to keep your kids, and yourself, safe around the grill:
Grilling Safety Tips
- Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, out from under eaves and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
- Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
- Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flames can flashback up into the container and explode.
- Grill only outdoors! If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as garages or tents, barbecue grills pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to carbon monoxide.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
- Never leave the grill unattended while cooking. The number one cause of residential fires is unattended cooking.
And, always be sure to supervise kids in and around the grilling area to make sure they are protected from burns or fires.
