State Farm - Grilling Safety Tips

Last updated on Friday, May 26, 2017

(UNDATED) - Memorial Weekend kicks off summer in the Midwest and nothing says summer better than grilling. Every year, millions of Americans safely enjoy outdoor barbecues, but accidents do happen.

Roughly 8,800 grill fires happen every year causing $96 million in property damage and 16,900 emergency room visits. The majority of grill fires are caused by malfunctioning gas grills. In addition, thousands of people visit emergency rooms every year because they have burned themselves while barbecuing. Gas Grills accounted for 82% of grilling accidents.

5 TIPS FOR SAFER GRILLING

Check the gas lines - the leading cause of gas grill fires is a fuel line leak or break
Inspect the line for cracking, sharp bends or brittleness
Rub soapy water on the line and look for bubbling to test for leaks

Grill in well-ventilated areas - Never grill inside a home, tent, vehicle or camper where carbon monoxide can't escape and make you sick or worse kill you.

Use combustibles cautiously - 18 percent of grill fires result from a grill being too close to combustibles

Keep lighter fluids CAPPED and a safe DISTANCE away from the grill

Never add lighter fluid to hot coals

Never use gasoline or kerosene as a starter fluid

Clean your grill

Clean grates and grease pans to prevent flare-ups

Wait 48 hours before disposing of charcoal ashes

Create a safe zone

Children under 5 accounted for 37 percent of emergency room visits for contact burns caused by grills

Grill at least 10 feet away from a building

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