Grill safe

According to the Air Force Safety Center, there were 16,600 injuries involving grills in 2011. Approximately half were burn injuries and more than one-quarter involved children under five years of age. Additionally, almost one-third of these injuries occurred when lighting the grill. For more information on grilling safety and the 2014 Critical Days of Summer, visit the Air Force Safety Center website at http://www.afsec.af.mil/criticaldaysofsummer/index.asp (U.S. Air Force illustration by Airman 1st Class Ryan Callaghan/Released)

In the line of fire: practice safe grilling

Published July 16, 2014
Air Force Safety Center

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- According to the Air Force Safety Center, there were 16,600 injuries involving grills in 2011. Approximately half were burn injuries and more than one-quarter involved children under five years of age. Additionally, almost one-third of these injuries occurred when lighting the grill. Grill safely this summer by following these tips:

· Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.

· Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.

· Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least ten feet away from any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.

· When lighting the grill, keep the top open. If the grill does not light in first several attempts, wait five minutes to allow gas to dissipate

· Never use gasoline to start a fire - it is much too dangerous to use on grills.

· Never use a grill on apartment or condominium balconies. This practice is one of the biggest dangers with grills. It is unsafe and against the law.

· Keep children and pets away from fires and grills. It only takes a second for curiosity to cause a serious burn.

· Though coals may appear to be cool, always soak them with water. Coals retain enough heat to reignite for days after the fire.

For more information on grilling safety and the 2014 Critical Days of Summer, visit the Air Force Safety Center website at http://www.afsec.af.mil/criticaldaysofsummer/index.asp