Up in smoke: Grilling and fireworks safety tips

Donathan Prater
Staff Writer
Published: July 3, 2008

It’s a time when most folks are celebrating the Independence Day holiday, but for more than 14,000 Americans, it’s an event that literally goes up in smoke due to injuries sustained from fireworks and outdoor cooking, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

However, there are a few important guidelines local fire officials say, if adhered to, will leave you with cherished, not charred, summer grilling memories.

“We encourage those who will be cooking with charcoal to properly dispose of their coals, thoroughly wetting them down first,” said Chief Lee Lamar of the Auburn Fire Division. “If you’re using a gas-fired grill, it’s a good idea to make sure all of your fuel connections are tight and your grill is in good shape.”

Another important factor, whether you’re grilling with charcoal or gas, is making sure your grill is positioned away from any structures, said Chief Terry Adkins of Opelika Fire Department.

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 2005 study found that gas and charcoal grills were responsible for some 3,400 structure fires resulting in $137 million in property losses.

One tip is to keep a garden hose or bucket of water on hand to quickly douse any flames. It’s also a good idea to establish a “safe zone” away from the grill for both children and pets.

“The scent of meat can attract the family pet, but items like lighter fluid, if ingested by the family pet, can damage the lungs of your dog,” said Graham Carroll of Tigertown Veterinary Hospital in
Opelika.

Carroll also cautions that larger dogs could possibly turn a grill over and injure themselves.

“The best thing to do is to keep your pet leashed and away from the cooking environment in the shade with a nice, cool bowl of water,” Carroll said.

As far as fireworks are concerned, Lamar calls them exactly what they are.

“Fireworks are explosives and are illegal in the city of Auburn,” said Lamar.

The same is true in the city of Opelika, according to Adkins.

“Our recommendation is to attend a sanctioned fireworks display put on by the city and leave the handling of the fireworks to the professionals,” said Adkins.

More Tips

- Once it has been lit, never leave a grill unattended.

- Use long-handled grilling tools to give yourself a safe clearance distance away from heat and flames.

- Avoid loose clothing with long sleeves that might catch fire.

- Follow the manufacturer’s directions for your particular brand of grill.

- Open all vents before and during cooking.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and http://www.perdue.com.