While a record number of people are expected to travel for the Memorial Day holiday, millions of others will be sticking around for the hometown barbecues.
To make the process of dusting off the grill and getting it ready easier, the National Fire Protection Association has offered the following safety tips and guidelines to ensure cookouts don’t turn chaotic:
- For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks.
- Keep your grill clean. Make sure to remove all grease and fat buildup from the grills and the trays below.
- Place the grill far from your home, deck railings, eaves, and overhanging branches.
- Before lighting your gas-powered grill, always make sure the lid is open.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
- If you use starter fluid with charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire once it’s been lit. When you finish grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
- Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
“Cookouts and outdoor grilling can be a great way to spend time with friends and family, but they do present potential risks,” NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy Lorraine Carli said. “Over Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, we want everyone to be aware of where and when grilling fires tend to happen, along with steps they can take to help prevent them.”
NFPA data shows that between 2019 and 2023, gas grills were involved in an annual average of 9,287 home fires nationwide, including 4,682 structure fires and 4,605 outdoor fires. In 20% of the instances, the grill had not been cleaned before use.
In addition, an annual average of 21,682 patients went to the emergency room in the U.S. between 2020 and 2024 with grill-related injuries.
“By following simple safety precautions, people can greatly reduce the risk of grilling fires and associated risks,” Carli said.
