Grease from cooking food on the grill can become a secondary fuel source that sparks a fire. Experts recommend cleaning the grill regularly and cooking away from structures in order to prevent a dangerous flare up. (stockcreations/Shutterstock)
Memorial Day in the U.S. marks the unofficial start of summer.
It follows that more than half of people in the U.S. find their way to an outdoor barbecue, picnic or cookout on this holiday that honors the country's 47 million wartime veterans, according to WalletHub.
Fifty-two percent of Americans plan to barbecue over the Memorial Day weekend, which is one reason that an average of 818 hotdogs are consumed every second in the U.S. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
One surefire way to spoil all that fun in the sun — and spur an insurance claim — is through inattentive grill cleaning and care. Grill fires are most common during the summer months, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports, and one in five grill fires ignites because the grill wasn't properly cleaned before cooking.
"Outdoor grilling is a popular option for cooking food, but it does present risks," NFPA ice president of Outreach and Advocacy Lorraine Carli said in a recent press release. "By following simple safety precautions, people can significantly reduce the risk of potential injury or experiencing a grilling fire."
Her organization reports that gas grills are involved in an average of 9,079 home fires per year, including 4,454 structure fires and 4,625 outdoor fires annually.
The NFPA recommends that following steps to prevent grill fires:
- For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use in the months ahead.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
- If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have or are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
- Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
Travelers also has safety advice for outdoor cooks.
"Even if your grill is located well away from your home or other combustible objects, it is unwise to leave the grill unattended… Leaving the grill area unattended, even for a minute, means you can't react to quickly changing conditions." the insurer notes in an article titled "The Science of Grill Fires."
In addition to eating al fresco, holidays also are a popular time for road travel, which is why the National Safety Council's advice for the day revolves around safe driving. Although Memorial Day accident fatality-estimates have begun to decrease — from 469 in 2023 as opposed to 418 this year — the organization reminds the public that driving is the most lethal of the motorized forms of transportation.
"Studies show seat belts, when used, are 45% effective in preventing fatalities among front-seat passenger car occupants," the NSC says. "Based on the projected number of vehicle occupants who will wear seat belts, an estimated 150 lives may be saved this Memorial Day holiday period. An additional 105 lives could be saved if all vehicle occupants wear seat belts."
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