Grilling and Fireworks Safety Tips for Summer Celebrations in Keller, TX

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth encourages Keller, TX, residents to have safe summer celebrations by abiding by safety practices when cooking on the grill or setting off fireworks.

SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth serves the Fort Worth, Keller, and Park Glen areas with residential and commercial fire damage restoration services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and on holidays. The SERVPRO team wants everyone to enjoy safe summer celebrations while grilling out and discharging fireworks.

Grilling Safety Tips for a Safe Summer Celebration

With the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the re-opening of the economy, people are more than ready to celebrate this summer. Neighborhood gatherings are once again commonplace across the country. The grill, now more popular than ever, is both an enjoyable and convenient way to cook. These sources of summer culinary delight still require regular inspection and maintenance. According to the National Fire Protection Association, grills cause or are involved in nearly 9,000 fires a year. To the surprise of many backyard grill masters, gas grills accounted for five out of six of these reported grill fires! An understanding of three of the leading causes of gas grill fires can make for a safe summer celebration.

1. Failure to clean the grill

Grease buildup in the grease trap creates a secondary fuel source that will eventually ignite if left unresolved.  When the grill cover is lowered, temperatures in the grill can reach over 500 degrees Fahrenheit in minutes. At this temperature, accumulated grease can flare up, and the flames can potentially cause serious fire damage to anything close to the grill. When nests from spiders and insects obstruct the flow of gas in the burner tubes, a flashback fire can result. In this type of grill fire, flames shoot out around the control panel. Grill fire flare-ups from cooking fatty foods or meats marinated in oil can also ignite residual grease buildup.

The key to safe summer celebrations is to regularly remove accumulated grease and empty the grease cup, which is typically found under the grill. Pay attention to the “flame tamers,” the flat steel shields located above the burners. By trimming the fat off meat or grilling at a lower temperature, excessive flare-ups can be prevented. An appropriately sized bottle brush can be used to clean out burner tubes in order to prevent flashback fires. If flames are yellow in color and burn unevenly across the burners, there may be a burner blockage.

2. Locating the grill too close to flammable materials

The temptation during inclement weather is to grill on the porch or under an awning. The heat from a gas grill can ignite the awning, melt siding, or catch the house on fire. Potted plants and artificial vegetation can easily ignite when exposed to the heat from a gas grill. The results could be disastrous. To lower the fire risk, grill in a well-ventilated area away from combustibles. Never grill on an enclosed porch or carport, and avoid cooking under low-hanging branches or near shrubs.

3. Leaving the grill unattended

An unattended grill is a catastrophe waiting to happen. Curious children may receive serious burns if they come in contact with a hot grill. Animals, overpowered by the delicious aroma of sizzling steaks, may topple the grill in search of a tasty meal. Grease fires or flare-ups, if not extinguished, can damage gas lines or the propane tank. The consequences could be explosive. If the gill must be left unattended, shut off the gas. This safety measure may ruin the meal, but it may also prevent fire damage, personal injury, or damage to the grill.

Basic Fireworks Safety Tips

A highlight of summer celebrations is July 4. Fireworks and Independence Day celebrations are popular across the US. Keller, Texas, and the surrounding greater Fort Worth area are no exception.

The National Safety Council reported in a recent article, “In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of these, 50% of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. Over two-thirds (67%) of injuries took place from June 16 to July 16. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade, or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers. Additionally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and nearly 17,000 other fires.”

When closely followed, these basic safety tips will help prevent personal injury and fire damage during the festive celebration of this nation’s freedom and independence.

1. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safely discharging legal fireworks.
2. Know the local ordinances regarding the lawful discharge of approved fireworks. Failure to follow these ordinances could lead to severe fines and penalties.
3. Keep in mind that the persons discharging the fireworks may be held responsible for any damages caused by the fireworks. For example, if the fire department is called out to extinguish a brush fire caused by fireworks, the person or group who discharged the fireworks may be responsible for covering the cost to extinguish the blaze. A small fire involving only a few acres could cost tens of thousands of dollars to put out.
4. Always have adult supervision present when enjoying fireworks. Only discharge fireworks that are approved for personal use. Never light fireworks while someone is holding them.
5. Young children should never handle fireworks. Older children should have close adult supervision and use protective eyewear.
6. Once the firework fuse is lit, immediately get away from the device until it discharges. Do not attempt to handle or re-ignite fireworks that have malfunctioned. Both used and unused fireworks should be soaked in water for a few hours before disposal.
7. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that fail to discharge. Have a garden hose or a fire extinguisher handy in case of fire.

The best way to enjoy fireworks while celebrating a holiday is to attend a fireworks display sanctioned by city or county authorities and conducted by certified, licensed, and approved pyrotechnic professionals. Enjoy the sights and sounds while staying safe!

Pre-qualify a damage restoration company before a fire damage disaster occurs. Knowing who to call after a fire can save time and reduce the extent and cost of the fire damage restoration project.

For more information about fire damage restoration in Haltom City, TX, contact the SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth team at (817) 741-5737 or email the office at office@SERVPROnortheastftworth.com.