Good morning! This is your Wellness Wake-Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
This month, we’re sharing important summer safety tips, starting with grilling safety.
Did you know that, on average, over 22,000 people visit the emergency room yearly due to grill-related injuries. Additionally, gas grills are responsible for an average of over 9,000 home fires annually.
Grilling is a great way to bring friends and family together. However, it is important to make grilling safety a priority.
Keep grills away from structures. Over 25% of grill structure fires start on a balcony, open porch, or deck. Fires can spread quickly; heat and flames from the grill can radiate further than expected and ignite materials nearby. Place the grill at least 10 feet away from buildings and avoid placing the grill under overhanging tree branches.
Inspect grills before using. Gas leaks and hose breaks account for 15% of outdoor gas grill fires. Before grilling, inspect your grill and check hoses for brittleness, cracks, or holes. Look for any signs of wear and tear and ensure there are no sharp bends or kinks in the hoses.
Also, watch for signs of spiders. They are attracted to the smell of propane and often build webs inside the grill’s venturi tubes. These blockages can cause gas to flow backwards causing fire around the venturi tube, gas valve, and control knob panel.
This week, inspect your gas grills and watch for signs of leaks or insects to prevent fires and keep your cookouts safe.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. Content for this episode was provided by Diane Reinhold, nutrition and wellness educator for University of Illinois Extension.
