NH STATE FIRE MARSHAL REMINDS CITIZENS TO HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY

With the Labor Day weekend upon us, NH State Fire Marshal reminds all citizens to have a safe holiday. Many families will be getting together for one last outdoor holiday with friends and relatives. The use of propane fired and charcoal fired grills will be heavily used during this weekend with the warm sunny weather.

Facts & Figures

-In the period between 2003 and 2006, fire departments in the United States responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, causing $80 million in direct property damage, ten civilian deaths annually, and 120 injuries each year.

-Although gas grills are used about 1.5 times more often than charcoal grills, they account for nearly five times as many fires.

-One third of the home fires involving grills started on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.

Safety Tips

-Propane and charcoal grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors or in an enclosed porch, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide.

-Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, and out from underneath overhangs.

-Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

-Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

-Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat build up from the grills and the collection trays underneath.

-Never leave your grill unattended.

-Consider using a charcoal chimney starter using newspaper as a fuel instead of combustible liquid starters.

-If you use a starting fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. The use of other flammable and combustible liquids can be extremely hazardous. Do not add any charcoal starter fluid or other flammable or combustible liquid to a grill that has already been started.

-Keep charcoal starter fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

-When finished grilling let the coals completely cool and only dispose of them in a metal container. Store the metal container away from combustible materials. Placing coals in a paper bag or plastic container is a recipe for disaster.