Critical Days of Summer Week 11: Practice BBQ Safety Published July 30, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. James Fountain 17th Training Wing Safety Office GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As Goodfellow enters the 11th week in the Critical Days of Summer Campaign, the focus this week will be on barbecue safety. Barbecues should have positive results with full bellies, not tragedy and injuries! Be sure to use safe grilling practices as the peak months for grilling fires approach. Gas grills constitute a higher risk, having been involved in an annual average of 8,800 home fires in 2007-2011, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in an annual average of 1,400 home fires. In Lehigh Acres, Fla., a barbecue turned dangerous after one spark scorched more than an acre of an empty lot in a matter of minutes April 11, 2012. The owner of the home says her daughter was grilling when a piece of paper used to light the grill blew away igniting the blaze. Here are some general safety tips: · Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors. · The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. · Keep children and pets away from the grill area. · Keep grills clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. · Never leave your grill unattended. Charcoal grills · There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow individuals to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel. · If using a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. · Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. · There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use. · When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container. Propane grills Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If the grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If there is a gas smell while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. For more information on barbeque safety, visit the links below. http://www.nbc-2.com/story/17399856/brush-fire-reported-in-lehigh-acres http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1714&itemID=41221&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Outdoors/Grilling/Grilling%20safety%20tips http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/outdoors/grilling The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by Goodfellow Air Force Base, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external Website, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of the Website.
