Safety Tips: Grilling

In South Florida, the temperate climate allows us to enjoy warm, sunny weather year-round, making outdoor grilling a favorite activity. However, grills can pose a fire risk if not handled properly. Grill-related fires are most common during the summer months, from May through August, as outdoor cooking and activities are in full swing. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grills cause around 10,000 home fires annually, and more than 20,000 grilling-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year.

To help ensure a safe grilling experience, it's important to be aware of the common hazards. Here are some safety tips to keep your grilling fun and risk-free:

- Make sure the grill is working properly before use
- Always keep your hands, cooking utensils and grill clean to prevent contamination and accidents
- Create a three-foot safety perimeter around your grill, and never leave it unattended while in use. Unattended grills are the leading cause of house fires nationwide. Staying vigilant can prevent most dangerous situations
- Always grill outdoors in a well-lit, well-ventilated area, at least 10 ft. away from any building and away from anything that might catch fire, including siding, deck railings, eaves or tree branches
- Never grill under a roof, in a house, tent or vehicle, even if ventilation is available
- Never grill in covered porches or patios especially if the covering is wood, canvas or other flammable material. Hot air and flames rise, so avoid placing anything combustible above the grill
- Always place your grill on a flat, stable surface away from high-traffic areas to prevent tipping or accidents
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area
- Prevent grease buildup by cleaning the grill and trays regularly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 20 percent of grill fires occur due to lack of cleaning
- Always keep an ABC-rated home fire extinguisher, garden hose or water bucket nearby at all times in case of an emergency
- Ensure your grill is in proper working condition. Check hoses for cracks, holes or leaks, and inspect burners for obstructions. Also, make sure the igniter is functioning correctly
- Always open the lid on your gas grill before lighting it to prevent gas buildup
- If the igniter doesn't light the grill on the first attempt, turn the control knob off and wait for the gas to dissipate before trying again
- Always keep propane gas containers upright and never store spare tanks near or under the grill
- Ensure your propane gas containers are equipped with an Overfill Prevention Device (OPD). This safety feature prevents overfilling and is typically identified by a valve handle with three prongs
- Never store a filled propane container in a hot car or trunk. Excessive heat can cause gas pressure to rise, potentially opening the relief valve and allowing gas to escape
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately move away from the grill , do not move the grill and call the fire department
- Always keep an ABC-rated home fire extinguisher, garden hose or water bucket nearby at all times in case of an emergency
- Always read the instructions carefully before using lighter fluid
- If you use starter fluid, make sure it’s specifically designed for charcoal. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire
- Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from any heat sources
- Electric charcoal starters are a safer option since they don’t require fire. Be sure to use an extension cord rated for outdoor use
- After grilling, allow the coals to cool completely before placing them in a metal container for disposal. Dispose of charcoal away from children and pets and cool it down with a hose
- Charcoal grills produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to fatal levels in enclosed areas. Even after the fire is out, freshly used coals can still emit CO. Always leave the coals and grill outside until they are cool to the touch before bringing them indoors for storage
- Always keep an ABC-rated home fire extinguisher, garden hose or water bucket nearby at all times in case of an emergency

Interest Categories

Online Services

News & Social Media

Create a new miamidade.gov account

Elected Officials

County Agencies

Public Records & Open Data

Employee Information

My Employee Portal

Interest Categories

Online Services

News & Social Media

Create a new miamidade.gov account

Elected Officials

County Agencies

Public Records & Open Data

Employee Information

My Employee Portal

Safety Tips: Grilling

Tips for All Types of Grills

Tips for Gas Grills

Tips for Charcoal Grills

Social Media Toolkit

Grilling

Fire Rescue