Summer Fire Safety Tips

Summer fun just isn’t complete without a cookout, but grills can be dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Make sure you only use grills — both propane and charcoal — outside and at a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. A good distance is 10 feet from house siding, deck railing and any hanging tree branches or plants, according to the NFPA. Grills that are used in an enclosed space like a tent or house can not only be a fire hazard, but may also increase the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide.

Make sure to also keep all grill tools — matches, lighters and lighter fluid — out of the reach of children and in a locked cabinet. The NFPA recommends declaring a 3-foot radius around the grill as a “kid free zone” and making sure pets stay away from that area as well. When you’re done grilling and the grill has cooled, make sure to keep it clean. Remove grease and fat buildup from the trays below the grill — these can be a fire hazard in some circumstances.