Woodbury, NY, July 02, 2015 –– The summer season is home to many fun, family-oriented activities like barbecues and picnics with friends. What’s not family-friendly about this outdoor-cooking season are the fires that are caused by BBQs, grills and fire pits. On average, there are 8,800 fires annually; causing 10 deaths, 140 reported injuries and $96 million in direct property damage. SterlingRisk has put together a list of tips to help prevent injury and damage due to BBQ and grill fires.
- One of every six (16%) home structure fires in which grills were involved in ignition, something that could catch fire was too close to the grill.
- Overall, leaks or breaks were factors in one of every five reported grill fires.
- Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
- Children under five accounted for 1,700 (37%) of the 4,500 thermal non-fire grill burns.
- The leading cause of these structure fires was something that could burn being too close to the grill.
Traditionally, Americans celebrate July 4th with hot dogs, hamburgers, ice-cream, and barbecues with friends and family. But Independence Day wouldn’t be the same without brilliant firework displays! Yet, the thrill of fireworks can also bring tragedy and injury.
On average, 230 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month surrounding the July 4th holiday. Last year, over 50 percent of the injuries sustained were burns.
Here are some tips to prevent fireworks-related injuries and death: BBQ & Fireworks Safety Infografic
