Summer Safety Tips

        Turn Your Attention to Fire Prevention 

Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

The Talladega Fire Department encourages chefs to pay attention to safety in the summer months when home fires involving grilling incidents occur most often.  Nearly half of the people who grill do so year-round.  July is the peak month for grilling fires followed by May, June and August.  Each year an average of 8,800 home fires are caused by grilling and close to half of all injuries involving grills are due to burns from hot objects. 

Key Points:

• Gas grills contribute to a higher number of home fires overall than their charcoal counterparts. 
• Keep grills 15 feet from combustibles, including the outside of your house, balcony or garage.
• Half of grill fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch with wall coverings, exterior trim and can ignite plants and other items.
• Enforce a “kid-free zone” of 36” around the grill until equipment is completely cool.
• Allow coals to cool 48 hours before disposing. If you are not able to wait, douse coals with water and stir to ensure fire is out. Never place coals in plastic, paper or wooden containers. Use a metal container only.

Video:             youtu.be/okv7CtQCXqc