Don't Get Burned: How to Play it Safe When Helming the Grill

Who doesn’t love the mouthwatering aromas from a backyard BBQ, or the smoky taste of wood-fired meats, seafood and veggies? Here in South Florida, we’re fortunate because there is no grilling “season”—we can fire up our backyard barbecues pretty much any time of year. However, like anything else that involves working around fire, grilling can be dangerous.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 70% of U.S. households—close to 92 million homes—own at least one grill or smoker. Gas grills, the most popular, can be found in 62 percent of American households.

Most grilling-related accidents do not result in death but rather in injuries or property damage, the NFPA says. Grilling-related injuries send an average of 21,682 people a year to emergency rooms. In addition, an estimated 9,300 structures are damaged every year by fire – most of these caused by gas grills. “Gas grills contribute to a higher number of fires than charcoal grills,” the organization notes.

Grill Explosions and Flare-ups Can Cause Devastating Burns

Jose F. Llach, D.O., an emergency medicine physician with Baptist Health, says he has treated a number of patients who have suffered burns while grilling, and these injuries can be serious and painful.

“An explosion of a propane tank or a sudden flare-up on a charcoal grill can cause devastating burns that can require multiple skin grafts followed by months of painful therapy,” Dr. Llach says.

Another concern with charcoal grills is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. “Never, ever use a grill indoors. It’s not only a fire hazard, but it can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning when those fumes build up in an unventilated area,” says Dr. Llach. He adds that in Florida, where many people live without heat, occasional cold snaps often turn deadly when people resort to using barbecue grills indoors to keep warm.

Safety Checklist for Outdoor Barbecue Grills

Dr. Llach says safe grilling begins with following safety recommendations from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

• Use grills outside only, in well-ventilated areas and never indoors, in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that will burn.

• Check www.cpsc.gov to see if the grill you’re using has been recalled and follow the remedy if it has been recalled.

• Inspect your grill and any gas hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks, and replace them, if necessary. For gas grills, inspect hoses for cracks or leaks by applying a soap and water solution; bubbles indicate a leak. Ensure all connections are secure before igniting.

• Only use appropriate fire starters and only use them before lighting the fire. Never add liquid fuel after trying to start a fire.

• Maintain a safe distance and wear appropriate clothing. Loose clothing can easily catch fire when leaning over a grill. Instead, wear short sleeves or tight-fitting garments, and use flame-resistant gloves and long-handled tools to keep a safe distance from the heat.

• Never leave a hot grill unattended and keep children away from the grill area.

• Clean your grill with a ball of aluminum foil or nylon brushes; avoid wire grill brushes to prevent stray wire brush strands from ending up in the food.

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure everyone knows how to use it.

• Practice safe food handling. Keep raw meats refrigerated until ready to cook and use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination. Use a meat thermometer to ensure foods reach safe internal temperatures: 165°F for poultry and 145°F for beef and pork.

When to Seek Care for Your Burn

If you do suffer a serious burn, however – at the grill or anywhere – Dr. Llach says it’s important to seek immediate medical care. “Our emergency departments and urgent care centers are staffed and equipped to properly assess and treat all types of burns.  

Dr. Llach offers these guidelines to help you determine if your burn can be treated at home or requires emergency care:

Seek emergency care for your burn if:

• You have a small second-degree burn (blistering but limited in size).

• Your burn is painful but manageable at home but it has not improved after 48 hours.

• Your burn shows signs of infection developing (increased redness spreading beyond the edges of the burn, swelling or intensifying pain).

• Your tetanus vaccination is not up to date (burn injuries may require a booster).

“Everybody loves an outdoor barbecue – it’s all about enjoying great food and having fun with family and friends,” Dr. Llach acknowledges. “Just keep it safe and don’t let a grilling accident land you in the ER. By following these safety measures, you can ensure that your next barbecue is both enjoyable and accident-free.”

Jose F. Llach, D.O., an emergency medicine physician with Baptist Health