COOKOUTS ARE FUN IF DONE SAFELY

Hot dogs and burgers cooked on the grill are tastes hard to beat. The Brunswick Fire Department reminds you that outdoor cooking can also lead to tragedy when carelessness causes serious burns. Use common sense and remember to cook safely:

• Use charcoal lighter fluid safely. Never use gasoline to start or freshen a fire. Gasoline is explosive and much too dangerous to use on grills. Be cautious with charcoal lighter fluid. Use on coals only before the fire is lit. If you try to make a fire bigger by adding more fluid, the heat of the coals can ignite the stream of liquid and burn back into the can, causing it to explode in your hands.
• Try using electric starters in place of lighter fluids.
• Place grills where they will not tip over or ignite objects above them. Do not use on balconies or under awnings.
• Never bring a grill in the home. The carbon monoxide produced by burning charcoal can be dangerous in an enclosed space.
• Have a container of water or garden hose ready to extinguish a fire.
• Keep children away from fires and grills. They may try to climb on the grill to see what is cooking.
• If anyone is burned by outdoor cooking, cool the burn with water immediately. Cover the burn with a clean cloth and seek emergency help. Call the rescue squad.
• Though coals may appear cold, always soak them after cooking. Unsoaked coals can relight a day later.
• Keep grills outside of tents and recreational vehicles.
• Keep damp or wet coals in a well-ventilated area. During the drying process, spontaneous combustion can occur in confined areas. If a bag of charcoal gets wet, leave it outside, away from the house.

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