Remember Safety This Holiday Weekend

With summer and a long weekend for Fourth of July comes barbecues, parties and, of course, fireworks. Burt Bunnell, fire marshal of the North Branford Fire Department, offers these safety tips.

Firework Safety

• All fireworks, with the exception of sparklers, are illegal in Connecticut and may not be sold, purchased or used. Only regulated firework displays by state-licensed, professional pyro-technicians, which have been approved by local and state officials, are permitted.
• Sparklers as determined by the state include sparkling devices of not more than 100 grams of mixture per item and are non-explosive and non-aerial. These include common stick sparklers; cone, base, spike and fountains. These are the only items that can be legally sold or purchased in Connecticut.
• Do not buy fireworks from roadside stands. Local establishments that are licensed to sell fireworks are inspected by the fire marshal.
• The only safe way to enjoy fireworks is to attend an approved public display.

Summer Grilling

According to the NBFD, gas-fueled and charcoal grills cause an average of 900 home structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires each year. Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grill with leaks and breaks in the gas cylinder or hose being the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires.

Placing combustibles too close to heat and leaving cooking unattended are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home structure fires. Half of all grill home structure fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch so it is important to not only grill outside of your home, but well away from your home.

Safety Tips for Outdoor Grilling

• Gas and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Position the grill well away from siding and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Declare a three-foot ‘safe zone’ around the grill.
• Put out long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers.
• Periodically remove grease and fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

Charcoal Grill Safety

• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

Gas Grill Safety

• Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. If you determine your grill has a leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame:
  • Turn off the gas tank and grill.
  • If that leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
  • If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
  • Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
  • Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

For questions or concerns, contact the Fire Marshal’s office at 203-484-6016 or deputyfiremarshal@townofnorthbranfordct.com.