Grill Safety Tips from PG County Fire Department

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If your Memorial Day weekend plans include grilling out at home, the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department has some safety tips to review first.

“It is anticipated that many backyard barbecues will be in use over the course of this upcoming long holiday weekend and throughout the summer months. The PGFD recommends that you exercise caution and keep safety in mind when setting up, using and cleaning your BBQ grill. Did you know that cooking, most notably unattended cooking, is the No. 1 cause of fires and fire-related injuries in Prince George’s County? This includes both inside and outside cooking: Watch what you heat, the department urges in a news release.

Grill safety tips, laws
•Never use a grill indoors including garages, overhangs and canopies

•By law grills must be at least 30 feet away from any multi-family apartment dwelling.

•When using a grill at your single-family home, homeowners should use a 10-foot perimeter from anything combustible, including their house. Never place a grill against a house, wooden deck or fence.

•Prince George’s County prohibits all grills on balconies of apartments and condominiums.

•Do not allow children and pets to play near a grill. Set up a 10-foot safety zone around your grill.

•Only use approved ignition fluids; never use gasoline to ignite a grill.

•Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand nearby to douse a grill fire that gets out of control.

•Inspect your grill before you ignite to ensure everything is in working order. This inspection includes all connections on your gas grills are tight and not leaking.

Charcoal ashes and used briquettes should be disposed of in a metal container and allowed to cool for up to 48 hours before disposal. Keep ash container off wooden decks and away from the house.