Many people enjoy barbecuing in the summer months, but when grills are not used safely, things can go horribly wrong. Every year fire departments respond to hundreds of fires involving grills, hibachis and barbecues. These fires cause injuries and property damage. For safe grilling, always follow your owner’s manual and practice the safety tips provided here.
Grilling Safety Tips
- Always grill outdoors.
- Grills must be 10-feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer.
- Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
- Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
- Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
- Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
- Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
- Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.
- Keep children and pets three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders.
Gasoline vapors are highly flammable. They stay on your clothing and can ignite if you light a match or cigarette.
Store gasoline only in approved containers, outside, or in a building not attached to the house. Never keep gasoline inside the home.
Keep gasoline away from all heat sources such as smoking materials, pilot lights, campfires, and grills.
Never fuel a lawn mower while it is hot. Let it cool off first. Keep hands and feet away from a mower while it is running.
Fireworks are dangerous and illegal in Massachusetts for anyone without a professional license, but everyone can enjoy fireworks at shows run by professionals and supervised by local fire departments. Keep your July 4th holiday safe and fun. Stay away from illegal fireworks.
Set a Good Example for Children
Children account for a significant number of fireworks injuries in Massachusetts every year. Children imitate adults. If you use fireworks, children who see you will not understand the dangers of fireworks. And children know where you keep fireworks.
Even sparklers are dangerous. They burn at more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and encourage the use of matches and lighters by children. Don’t buy or use fireworks or sparklers. Take your family to a supervised fireworks display to enjoy the holiday.