STATE FIRE MARSHAL OFFERS GRILLING SAFETY TIPS
STATEWIDE (May 27, 2016) – The Memorial
Day weekend is a time for remembrance of those that gave the supreme sacrifice
in honor of our Country. Families across
Maryland will venture outside to the beach, the mountains or maybe just to
their backyards to spend quality time together.
However, increased outdoor activities also result in an increase of
outdoor fire risks; therefore the Office of the State Fire Marshal is providing
a few common-sense tips that will help Marylanders enjoy a safe grilling
season.
Outdoor Cooking Safety Tips for Gas Grills:
·
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders should always be transported in
the upright position on the floor of the vehicle with all windows open. Never transport cylinders in the trunk of a
car. Remove the cylinder from the
vehicle as soon as possible.
·
Ensure all connections are tight.
Check all connections with soapy water. The appearance of bubbles
indicates leaks, re-tighten leaking connections.
·
Make sure grease is not allowed to drip onto the hose or gas cylinder.
·
Store the cylinder (including those attached to barbecues), outdoors in
a shaded, cool area out of direct sunlight.
·
Read thoroughly and follow manufacturer’s instructions for gas grill
use. Save the instructions for later
reference!
Outdoor Cooking Safety Tips for Charcoal Grills:
·
Use only a small amount of charcoal starter fuel. A little goes a long
way! Consider using charcoal that does not require starter fuel for
ignition.
·
Once a fire has been started, never
add more starter fuel!
Fire can easily follow the stream of fluid back to the container causing
an explosion and potential serious bodily harm.
·
Use great caution in disposing of ashes. Ashes may contain live coals that can start a
fire if not disposed of properly. The
safest method is to wet the ashes thoroughly with water before emptying the
barbecue. Only transport ashes in a
metal container.
Please be reminded that other than one and two family dwellings, no
use or storage of hibachis, grills or other similar devices used for cooking
shall be located on any balcony, under any overhanging portion or within
fifteen feet of any structure.
With any outdoor style cooking
equipment, never be tempted to use them inside – not even in a garage with the
door open or on a porch or a balcony. “Outdoor
grills produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas which
even in small quantities can cause injury or death. LPG cylinders that develop
a leak indoors can result in an explosion with devastating results,” stated State Fire
Marshal Brian S. Geraci. “Please
celebrate the Memorial Day holiday weekend as safely as possible”.
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Grills placed to closely to ordinary combustibles and structures can result in catastrophic results. |
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A metal ash can with a lid will contain ashes and allow for any remaining hot embers to cool and completely extinguish before disposal. |
The
Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of
State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and
explosion through a comprehensive program of education,
inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more
information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: Maryland State Fire Marshal and/or our Facebook Page.
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