This time of year, homeowners enjoy grilling in the Canton and Akron Ohio area. We want to make sure that you are grilling safely this summer.  According to the NFPA July is the peak month for grill fires (17%) including both structures, outdoor and unclassified fires. In 2013-2017, an average of 19,000 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. Children under five accounted for an average of 2,000 or 38%, of the contact-type burns per year. These burns typically occurred when someone, often a child, bumped into, touched or fell on the grill, grill part or hot coals. Gas grills were involved in an average of 8,700 home fires per year, including 3,600 structure fires and 5,100 outdoor fires annually. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills. Eleven percent of gas grill structure fires and 23% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks. Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,100 home fires per year, including 600 structure fires and 500 outside fires annually. Below are a few tips for grilling safely this summer.

The Do’s and Don’ts of grilling:

Do’s:

• Keep grills away from any structure. It is important to keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. Keeping the grill further away from carports, garages and porches will prevent structure fires. Do not grill underneath any overhangs, also do not grill inside your garage. This applies to both charcoal and gas grills.
• A clean grill is important. It is important to clean your grill after each use. If you allow grease and fat to build up it may cause flare ups.
• Check for gas leaks. Take caution when you use propane gas, to make sure that there aren’t any gas leaks. You can make sure no gas is leaking from your gas grill by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rubbing it on the hoses and connections.  With the lid open turn on the gas and see if the soap forms large bubbles, that’s a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.
• Keep outside flammable items away from your grill. Outside ornamental decorations like hanging baskets, planters, lawn furniture and cushions, and umbrellas can catch on fire from grill flare-ups.
• Keep a spray bottle of water, baking soda and/or a fire extinguisher in the area. If a minor flare up happens you have water to put out the flames and it won’t ruin your dinner. If you have a major fire then using baking soda or a fire extinguisher will need to be used to put out the flames. If the fire has gotten out of hand, then call 911. Most injuries or even fire deaths occur when people try to fight the fire themselves.

Don’ts

• Don’t turn on the gas when the grill is closed. It can cause gas to build up inside the grill and when you light it and open it a fireball can explode in your face.
• Don’t leave a grill unattended. Fires can double in size every minute.
• Don’t overload your grill. When you put too much fatty meats on a grill and the fat drips on the flames all at once, it can cause a large flare-up.
• Don’t grill indoors. Even indoor grills should be used outside. It is critical to know that grills release carbon monoxide which is deadly since it is color and odorless. That gas if not vented properly can kill you and your pets.

If you experience a structure fire and need help rebuilding your home, please call the experts at Orion Construction. We are also available 24 hours a day for an emergency board up of your home after a fire. We specialize in insurance damage claims and will work hand in hand with all major insurance companies from the beginning to the end. Call us today at 330-244-9708.