Outdoor grilling is a cherished way to prepare food, bringing people together and creating unforgettable memories. However, safety is paramount; a grill too close to flammable materials can become a fire hazard. High temperatures can cause burn injuries, but by embracing simple safety tips, you can embark on an exciting journey toward safe and enjoyable grilling.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil. These fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures, and units currently available for home use pose a significant danger of hot oil being released at some point during the cooking process.
Consumers’ use of turkey fryers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries, and property destruction. NFPA urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments, such as grocery stores, specialty food retailers, and restaurants, for the preparation of the dish or consider a new type of “oil-less” turkey fryer.
Safety Tips
- For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before using it in the coming months — safety first! (Watch NFPA’s video on how to check for leaks below.)
- Embrace cleanliness by removing grease and fat buildup from the grates and trays beneath the grill.
- To create a safe grilling environment, position your grill at a safe distance from your home and deck railings, away from eaves and overhanging branches.
- Always make sure the gas grill lid is open before lighting it, igniting your culinary adventure with care.
- To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
- If you use starter fluid for charcoal grilling, remember to use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal, lighter fluid, or other flammable liquids to the fire. When you’re finished grilling, allow the coals to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container — a responsible conclusion to your grilling experience.
- Never leave your grill unattended while in use; stay present and enjoy the moment!
Using portable grills
Consider the following as you head out to the nearest campground, park or beach:
- Certain areas have restrictions on campfires and grills. Check if your area has any fire restrictions. Choose only those areas where fires are permitted.
- Check the fire danger rating in your area to determine if weather or other factors make it dangerous to light a fire.
To start charcoal for cooking
- There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to ignite the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel:
- If you use a charcoal chimney, use a long match to avoid burning your fingers when lighting the paper
- If you choose to use lighter fluid, use only fluid intended for charcoal grills
- Never add charcoal starter fluid to coals or kindling that has already been ignited
- Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid except charcoal starter or lighter fluid to start a charcoal fire
While cooking
- Place the grill well away from overhanging branches according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic
- Keep children and pets, and anything that can burn like food wrappers, an oven mitt or towel, at least 3-feet away from open flames and the grill
- Use long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames
- Always have an adult present when a campfire or grill is burning. Keep the fire small, and never leave a fire unattended!
To dispose of charcoal after cooking
- Before going to sleep or leaving the area, douse the fire with water and make sure the area is cool to the touch.
- Five percent of outside or unclassified grill fires occurred in a lawn, field or open area
- Empty the coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used only to collect coals
- Place the container outside and away from anything that can burn
- Never empty coals directly into a trash can
- Store the charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children and away from the heat source
