Barbecue season is finally here! There are a few things to watch out
for when cooking outdoors so that you enjoy yourself and stay safe!
1. Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony,
terrace or roof. It is both dangerous and illegal.
2. Propane barbecue grills and no more than two (2)
20-pound propane tanks are allowed on the grounds of a one or
two-family home, but be sure to follow the fire safety
precautions below.
3. Only use a charcoal barbecue grill on a balcony or
terrace if there is a ten foot clearance from the building and
there is an immediate source of water (garden hose or four (4)
gallon pail of water). Otherwise, such barbequeing is dangerous
and illegal.
4. Parties looking to barbecue in commercial
establishments, street festivals, or in other nonresidential
areas must make specific applications to the FDNY.
BEFORE
BARBECUING
- Check your grill thoroughly for leaks, cracking or brittleness
before using it.
- Clean out the tubes that lead into the burner.
- Make sure the grill is at least 10 feet away from your house,
garage, or trees.
- Store and use your grill on a large flat surface that cannot burn
(i.e.- concrete or asphalt).
- Don't use grills in a garage, porch, deck or on top of anything
that can catch on fire.
- Keep children away from fires and grills. It is a good idea to
establish a safety zone around the grill and instruct children to
remain outside the zone. A chalk line works great for this purpose.
- Have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose attached to a water
supply, or at least 16-quarts of water close by in case of a fire.
DURING BARBECUING
- Don't wear loose clothing that might catch fire.
- Use long handled barbecue tools and/or flame resistant mitts.
- Never use any flammable liquid other than a barbecue starter fluid
to start or freshen a fire.
- Never pour or squirt starter fluid onto an open flame. The flame
can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your
hands.
- Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill, they are flammable!
- Never leave the grill unattended.
AFTER BARBECUING
- Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning and storing instructions
that accompany the grill.
- Keep your grill clean and free of grease buildup that may lead to
a fire.
- Never store liquid or pressurized fuels inside your home and/or
near any possible sources of flame.
PROPANE
GRILLS
The Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) reports that more than
500 fires and 20 injuries occur every year from gas grill fires and
explosions of grills that have not been used for several months.
Check the tubes leading to the burner regularly for blockages. Check
with your specific grill manufacturer's instructions.
Check for leaks EVERY TIME you replace the cylinder. Pour soapy
solution over the connections and if bubbles begin to form, there is
a leak. Placing the soapy solution into a spray bottle makes it much
easier to apply. If there is a leak, turn off the grill IMMEDIATELY
and have it fixed. Do NOT use the grill until the leak is fixed.
Make sure all the connections are secure BEFORE turning on the gas.
Never start a propane grill with the lid closed. Gas can accumulate
and when the grill is ignited may cause an explosion.
Only get propane from approved compressed gas suppliers.
Before getting a propane cylinder filled, check for any damages to
it.
Never store propane cylinders indoors or near any heat source.
Never transport or store propane cylinders in the trunk of your
automobile.
ALWAYS shut off the propane fuel at the grill and at the bottle
after you have finished barbecuing.
Otherwise, this will lead to fire hazards, such as leaks and faulty
regulators.
CHARCOAL GRILLS The
Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) reports that every year
about 20 deaths and 400 injuries are treated resulting from carbon
monoxide poisoning from charcoal grills.
Due to the production of carbon monoxide when charcoal is burned,
charcoal grills should not be used inside homes, vehicles, tents, or
campers, even if ventilation is provided. Carbon monoxide is
odorless and colorless, you will not be alerted to the danger until
it is too late.
Never use any flammable liquid other than barbecue starter fluid to
start a charcoal barbecue.
Use the starter fluid sparingly and never put it on an open flame.
Never add fire starter after you have started your barbecue to speed
a slow fire or rekindle a dying fire. The flame can easily flashback
along the fluid's path to the container in your hands.
Remove the charcoal ashes from the grill and place them into a metal
container with a tight-fitting metal lid. Add and mix in water with
the ashes, and set aside for several days. Dispose of the mixture in
accordance with the Department of Sanitation's guidelines.
Remove the ashes only after they are completely cooled and no warm
embers remain.
Always soak coals with water after cooking; they retain their heat
for long periods of time.
Keep damp or wet coals in a well ventilated area. During the drying
process, spontaneous combustion can occur in confined areas.
ELECTRIC GRILLS
Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from any combustible material.
Do NOT use any flammable liquid to start an electric grill.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions in the use of an electric
grill.
When using an electrical extension cord, make sure it is properly
rated for the amperage required for the electric grill. Otherwise
you could risk an electrical fire.
REMEMBER
Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof. It
is both dangerous and illegal.
Propane barbecue grills and no more than two (2) 20-pound propane
tanks are allowed on the grounds of a one or two-family home, but be
sure to follow the fire safety precautions above.
Only use a charcoal barbecue on a balcony or terrace if there is a
ten foot clearance from the building and there is an immediate
source of water (garden hose or four (4) gallon pail of water).
BEFORE
BARBECUING 
IN
CASE OF A BARBECUE FIRE 
PROPANE
GRILLS
The
Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) reports that every year
about 20 deaths and 400 injuries are treated resulting from carbon
monoxide poisoning from charcoal grills.
