Barbeque Grill Safety
Many of us cook outdoors for our family or when entertaining friends and family on the weekends.  And an evening walk around the neighborhood at dinner time will be accented by the aroma of food on the grill.  Barbecue and grilling have become an essential part of our lifestyle.  Unfortunately, cooking on gas and charcoal grills can also be dangerous.

State Fire Codes and City Ordinances Restricting use of Barbeque gills in Multi-Family Structures
• Open flame cooking devices shall not be operated on balconies, porches or within 15 feet of any balcony or structure. 
• Exceptions:  One and two-family dwellings or where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. 

 

Propane Tank Storage
• Storage of propane tanks for barbeque grills having and LP-gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds are not permitted in the interior areas or within 10 feet of a combustible construction.  
• Exceptions:  One and two-family dwellings

 

Gas Grill Safety Tips
More than 500 fires, as well as 20 injuries occur every year just from fires associated with propane barbecue grills

Propane gas is highly flammable. The new safety standard for propane gas tanks requires that an "over-fill prevention device" be installed in new gas tanks. The new propane gas tanks have valve handles with three "lobes" (prongs) while older tanks have valve handles with five prongs. People with older propane gas tanks should trade them in for the new, safer tanks.

  • Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
  • Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
  • Always keep propane gas containers upright.
  • Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.
  • Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
  • Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.

Charcoal Grill Safety Tips
For additional information contact the Munroe Falls Fire Department at (330) 688-7493
Each year about 19 people die nationally as a result of CO fumes from charcoal being burned inside. Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments.

  • Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers.
  • Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.
  • Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.
 
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