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Outdoor Cooking
Outdoor Cooking Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), each year an average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling. While nearly half of the people who grill do it year-round, July is the peak month for grill fires followed by May, June and August.
A failure to clean the grill was the leading factor in 19% of all grill related structure fires. In 17% of grill related fires materials that could catch fire were too close to the grill.
Follow the safety tips below to reduce the risk of fires and injuries due to outdoor cooking:
- Propane, charcoal, and wood pellet BBQ grills, smokers, and fryers should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Never use inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.
- Outdoor cooking devices should be placed at least 10 feet from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Do not store or use a grill on a porch or balcony, including any porch or balcony on an upper level of a building, especially an apartment building.
- Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the outdoor cooking area.
- Combustible items should be kept at least 3 feet away from the grill, smoker, or fryer.
- Never leave your grill, smoker, or fryer unattended.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for all outdoor cooking devices.
Charcoal Grills
- If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal starter fluid or any other flammable liquids to the grill after it is ignited.
- Keep charcoal starter fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing. If you don’t have time to let them cool, coals should be soaked in water before disposing them in the trash.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Propane Grills
- Check the gas hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
- If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
- If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Turkey Fryers
Turkey fryers are very popular during Thanksgiving but can be dangerous. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil. If using a turkey flyer, follow the tips below:
- Turkeys should be thawed completely prior to frying. A frozen turkey placed into hot oil can cause fire and serious burns.
- Monitor oil with an appropriate thermometer to maintain the proper temperature. Oil that has been overheated can reach its auto ignition temperature and ignite.
- Do not overfill turkey fryers. Too much oil in the fryer will cause an overflow when the turkey is submerged, which may result in fire.
- Consider a new type of “oil-less” turkey fryer in lieu of oil immersion fryers.
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Fire Marshal's Office
Physical Address
1600 Whitaker Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
Mailing Address
910 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
Phone: 281-996-3335Fax: 281-996-3331