FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008

IT’S GRILLING SEASON – STAY SAFE WITH TIPS FROM RURAL/METRO

With the Independence Day weekend just around the corner, grilling season is at its peak. But this is also the prime time for grill-related injuries and fires. Experts at Rural/Metro urge everyone to have fun but be safe when grilling this summer.

“Every summer, people are seriously injured by grill fires or explosions,” said Rural/Metro Fire Chief Jerry Harnish. “There are some simple but important precautions that can make a difference, whether you’re using gas, charcoal or wood.”

For All Grills

To avoid grilling accidents, Rural/Metro recommends taking the following safety precautions:

• Never use a grill indoors, in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire. Always use a grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building.
• Place your grill in an open area, where it can stand securely on a flat, level surface away from fences, mulch, shrubbery or other objects that could ignite from a sudden flare-up.
• Keep kids and pets away from the grill at all times.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or water nearby to douse an out-of-control flame.
• Keep flammable liquids (like gasoline or kerosene) away from the grill when in use.
• Protect yourself when grilling by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that covers your forearm. If you get burned, run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your grill.

Gas Grill Safety Tips

Most gas grill fires and explosions occur when consumers use a grill that has been left idle for a long period of time, or when they have just refilled and reattached the grill’s propane or liquid petroleum gas container. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, Rural/Metro recommends a routine safety check that includes:

• Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage.
• Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
• Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
• For gas-fired grills that use portable propane tanks: don't accept a re-filled tank that shows signs of corrosion. Portable propane tanks have been targeted by meth lab operators for the production of anhydrous ammonia. The residue can corrode the tank and cause it to fail once it’s re-filled.

Safety Tips for Charcoal Grills

If grilling with charcoal, keep in mind that charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) - a colorless, odorless, deadly gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. To reduce the risk of CO poisoning and fire, follow these safety tips:

• Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. Even if ventilation is provided, charcoal should never be burned indoors.
• Never add lighter or starter fluid to flames or hot coals, which can cause a dangerous flame. Never use gasoline or kerosene with charcoal.
• Do not store a grill indoors - even in a garage – unless coals are completely cooled. Charcoal produces CO fumes until it is completely extinguished.

Finally, never use any type of grill in an apartment complex or multi-story condominium unit. Knox County code prohibits grills on decks in these buildings. Complex managers can identify safe – and legal - locations for grilling.

Rural/Metro Fire Department is the third largest in the state and has provided fire protection for Knox County since 1977.

Rural/Metro of Tennessee is the largest emergency service provider in East Tennessee, with a combined work force of more than 500 firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, telecommunicators and other support personnel.

Rural/Metro Ambulance Service is the only accredited provider in the state, with contracts for 911 service in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Franklin counties. Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, fire protection, and other safety services in 22 states and approximately 365 communities throughout the United States.

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