Safety Tips for Outdoor Cooking
With the outdoor cooking and grilling season heating up, and thousands headed to their favorite campground for the Memorial Day weekend, the Las Cruces Fire Department reminds weekend chefs of tips that can help keep them safe.
The fire department recommends you follow all safety recommendations for the grill and fuel source being used. Gas, charcoal or electric grilling can be done safely by following these and other safety tips:
• Maintain, clean and check grills, propane hoses and tanks regularly to ensure they are in proper working order.
• Periodically clean your grill to prevent the build-up of grease or oil.
• Grease and oil fires are best extinguished by smothering the flames. Never use water to extinguish a grease or oil fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or fire suppressant nearby and available at all times.
• Keep the grill a minimum of 10 feet away from the house, RV, garage or trees, and do not grill on flammable surfaces (wood decks) or in enclosed areas.
• If cooking with a discada ‘disco’ or turkey fryer, ensure that the burner and propane tank are a safe distance away from each other.
• Use long handled utensils and avoid wearing loose clothing.
• Never leave the grill unattended.
• Establish a ‘safety zone’ around the grill and keep children, pets and flammable material outside that zone.
• Never dispose of hot coals in a trash bag or garbage container. Douse coals with water and stir to ensure they are no longer burning.
According to national statistics, more than 6,000 outdoor grilling fires result in injuries or property damage each year. An estimated $27 million in property damage caused by outdoor grilling is reported annually in the U.S.
