State fire marshal offers safety tips when grilling this Memorial Day weekend

Michigan's state fire marshal is urging residents to keep safety in mind when grilling food this Memorial Day weekend.

"Before firing up the grill, we want you to be safe and follow a few simple safety precautions to avoid serious injuries and fires," Kevin Fire Marshal Sehlmeyer stated in a news release."Six out of seven grill fires involve a gas grill and are most often caused by a leak or break in hoses or other equipment. Maintenance and grill part replacement is particularly important with gas grills to protect yourself and your family."

While gas grills and gas/wood-fired smokers are generally safe and convenient, Sehlmeyer stated, liquid propane gas requires special handling, tight connections of hoses and storage of the tanks. If using a charcoal grill, do so properly and make sure it's a safe distance from houses, garages and outbuildings, he noted.

• Always grill outdoors. Never grill indoors or in the garage, as grills release carbon monoxide — a deadly, odorless, colorless gas.• Grill on a level surface at least 10 feet from houses and garages, and not below overhanging eaves. Keep grills at least three feet from railings, fencing or privacy screens, branches, hanging baskets and outdoor furniture.• Never use a grill on a balcony.• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.• Don't leave a grill unattended.• Don't overload the grill with food. Excessive fat and grease dripping on flames can ignite large flare-ups.• Clean the grill often, removing grease and fat buildup from the grates and in the trays below.• Never fight a fire yourself. Call 911 and let the firefighters do their job.

• Before the first use each year, check gas tank hoses for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution. If bubbling occurs, you may have a gas leak. Never use a match to check for leaks. If a leak is detected, turn off the gas valve on the tank immediately and don't use the grill until it's serviced by a professional.• Before filling a liquid propane cylinder, check for dents or gouges. Don't overfill the cylinder.• Never turn on the gas when the lid is closed. The propane may build up inside and, when ignited, could blow off the lid or explode a fireball in one's face.• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately turn off the gas valve on the tank.• Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If a gas grill is stored inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.• After grilling, turn off burners and close the propane cylinder valve.

• Use only charcoal starter fluid to light the grill — never gasoline or kerosene.• If using an electric charcoal starter, use an extension cord for outdoor use.• Always use charcoal grills outside in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide gas.• Let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container, or soak partially-cooled ashes completely in water before disposal.

For more information on fire and carbon monoxide safety, visit:

• miprevention.org or follow MI Prevention on social media• https://www.ncoaa.us/• https://www.cdc.gov/co/default.htm

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