"Helpful tips to prevent barbecue fires."

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Summer and fall brings family and friends together for good times over the barbecue. Great food and great company make great memories and the professionals from SERVPRO in San Luis Obispo want to make sure those memories are not marred by an out-of-control fire.

People getting together for a good time hardly seems like something that can turn into a disaster, but these interesting facts from the National Fire Protection Association can make people much more aware of barbecue safety:

• May through August is the leading months for barbecue fires.
• From 2013 to 2017 an average 19,000 people per year showed up in emergency rooms due to injuries involving barbecue grills. Children under five years old accounted for an average 2,000 injuries per year.
• Gas grills were involved in an average of 8700 home fires per year. Charcoal and other solid-fuel grills were involved in 1100 home fires per year.
• Twenty-three percent of gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks in the equipment.

A few precautions and a watchful eye can help keep flames and hot coals in the barbecue and away from guests, pets, dry vegetation and other flammable surroundings. Here are some tips to help prevent a fire.

1. Always check the tank and connections for gas grills before starting.
2. Set up the grill in a clear area outside away from flammable materials, including dry grass, trees, umbrellas and covered patios.
3. Allow plenty of room for people to move around, reducing accidental contact with the hot barbecue, or even tipping it over.
4. Don’t allow children and pets to play too close.
5. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. A fire extinguisher can be used with gas or charcoal/wood grills. A water hose can be used with charcoal or wood grills.
6. Trim excess fat. Meat that is too fatty causes flames to flare and can cause serious injury. Keep a spray bottle handy to stop flare-ups.
7. Never leave fire or hot coals unattended.
8. Keep the grill clean, including the cooking surfaces and grill pans.
9. Check the barbecue for rust spots or holes. Make sure it is well supported with no danger of being easily knocked over. Don’t use damaged equipment.
10. Let the barbecue cool down completely before covering it.
11. Dump the ashes into a metal bucket and hose them down until there are completely cool with no embers of smoke before disposing of them.

The San Luis Obispo SERVPRO teams wish everyone great summer and fall good times.

SERVPRO professionals are highly trained in property damage restoration caused by fire, mold, storms and other water damage. The company mission is to help families and communities avoid personal and property damage and in the event of damage, to make it "Like it never even happened.”