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[1] Grease fires are a common reason for grill fires (photo courtesy Wikipedia | Common Domain).
[2] It’s not just the stove top: Oven fires can develop even when you think your roast is safely cooking (photo courtesy Knox County, Tennessee Fire Prevention)
[3] A Tundra aerosol spray is small, easily portable, and a must-have-on-hand aid when cooking (photo courtesy First Alert).
[4] Have a delicious—and safe—holiday (photo courtesy Aldi).
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Cooking or grilling over Memorial Day Weekend?
A survey of adults by the American Red Cross reveals that normal, everyday activities like cooking a meal are actually the leading cause of home fires.
Kitchen: 70% of responders have left the kitchen while cooking. This is the leading cause of home fires. To help prevent home fires, the Red Cross urges everyone to always supervise cooking, and to have working smoke alarms.
Outdoor Grill: 58% have walked away from a barbecue grill when cooking. While an outdoor fire may not seem as disastrous as a kitchen fire, it can still cause extensive damage and, if too close to your house, set it on fire.
In either situation, if there’s another person around who can keep an eye on the cooking while you step away: Ask!
Also keep an easily-portable fire extinguisher at hand (photo #3).
TIPS FOR USING YOUR GRILL
Even if you’re an old pro at grilling, take a minute to check out these usage tips from the National Fire Protection Association:
Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
The grill should be placed well away from the house, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep your grill clean. Remove grease or fat buildup from the grill and trays below.
Never leave your grill unattended.
Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
Charcoal Grills
There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
There also are electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord that’s made for outdoor use.
When you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing them in a metal container.
Propane Grills
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it the first time each year.
Apply soap and water to the hose.
A propane leak will release bubbles.
If your grill has a gas leak and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.
Do not move the grill.
10 Tips For Kitchen Cooking Safety From The American Red Cross
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THE NIBBLE Blog – Adventures In The World Of Fine Food
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