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CAREFUL GRILLER INSTINCT KEY TO PREVENTING FIRES

CAREFUL GRILLER INSTINCT KEY TO PREVENTING FIRES

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With collegiate and professional football back in season tailgating is at its prime. But with charcoal and propane grills heating up delicious food, there are safety precautions that will keep everyone safe and help lower the chance of injury and the possibility of a fun event becoming the basis for a wildfire. 

Grill fires cause roughly $40 million in residential property damage annually. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA), a 2015 survey reports that 75 percent of U.S. adults own a grill or smoker. That’s a massive percentage of the population that needs to fully understand how to protect their home and family from grilling accidents that could be prevented in the future.

The majority of accidents are caused from gas grills not functioning properly and as a result emergency rooms are common for thousands of Americans who have burned themselves while barbecuing. Charcoal grilling can also be dangerous if safety is not top of mind. 

The Brazos River Authority offers several charcoal grills at parks and public use areas at Lakes Granbury, Limestone and Possum Kingdom Lake. Even though charcoal grills contribute less of a risk than their gas counterparts there are still precautions one should follow while visiting.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommend that grillers pay close attention to safety and suggest the following:

-           Always be alert when grilling

-           Do not grill if you are tired or have been consuming alcohol

-           Never leave your grill unattended

-           Watch for children and pets and keep them a safe distance from the area

-           Open the lid before igniting your grill

-           Never stand over your grill when lighting it

-           Keep grills away from the house

-           Check for leaks in hoses for gas powered grills

-           Clean before and after using to prevent grease buildup and to be sanitary  

The Brazos River Authority would like to remind visitors and homeowners alike that in the event of a fire, dial 911. At BRA reservoirs, local dispatch will send BRA Lake Rangers or local emergency services as needed for your emergency or issue.

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