Saftey a must at summer cookouts
The summer grilling season is heating up with backyard cookouts and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows around the fire pit.
No matter what the occasion, local fire department officials are urging the importance of following safety precautions when using outdoor cooking equipment.
Lt. Scott Conn, shift commander at Uniontown Fire Department, said cooking fires are the leading cause of accidental fires and can generate from either outside or in the kitchen.
鈥淎ll the principals of safety can be applied to both,鈥� said Conn.
Because most grills run off propane, Conn noted that people sometimes don鈥檛 realize how volatile of a fuel it is. 鈥淭here蘑菇视频 always that potential,鈥� said Conn of a fire.
A 2013 study conducted by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) indicates that 80 percent of all U.S. households own a grill or smoker.
The association found that most gas grills sold cost less than $300 and are used by consumers for an average of three years.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, an average of 8,800 home fires are caused by grilling, and close to half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns.
While nearly half of the people who grill do it year-round, July is reported as the peak month for grill fires followed by May, June and August.
Overall, NFPA states that gas grills contribute to a higher number of home fires than their charcoal counterparts.
In 2012, the agency stated 16,900 patients went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills while one of every six home structure fires involved ignition by a grill with something too close that caught fire.
Conn recommends when using a grill with a propane cylinder to make sure it蘑菇视频 in good condition and filled properly.
鈥淜now where the gas hook up is and check it (cylinder) for tears, leaks or damaged threads,鈥� said Conn.
Also, make sure the burners are in good shape and the controls and ignition switch is working on the grill.
According to Conn, don鈥檛 keep the lid closed on the grill while igniting it or it can blow off.
Conn also suggested to use a grill in an open and well ventilated area so it is not in close proximity to anything that is combustible, such as the side of a house, deck canopies or railings.
Some general grilling tips offered by NFPA include:
n Only use propane and charcoal BBQ grills outdoors.
n Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
n Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
n Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
n Never leave your grill unattended.