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By Dwayne Butler HOMES PLUS EDITOR WAUKESHA – Now that the weather has improved to summerlike conditions, back- yard chefs everywhere have sprung into the barbecue season. With that in mind, the National Fire Pro- tection Association recommends that grillers pay particular attention to safety, especially in June and July, when home fires involving grilling accidents occur most often. According to a 2013 NFPA report on cooking equipment fires, gas grills were involved in an annual average of 7,200 home fires from 2007 to 2011, while char- coal or other solid-fueled grills were responsible for an annual average of 1,400 home fires. While gas grills contribute to a higher number of home fires overall than their charcoal counterparts, the NFPA reminds everyone that all types of grills pose a risk for fires and burn injuries. More than one-quarter (27 percent) of home structure grill fires started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, while 29 per- cent started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 6 percent began in the kitchen, according to the report. "Grilling season is a great time of (the) year for friends and families to have cook- outs and tailgate, but before starting the season, be sure your grill is working prop- erly and review safety tips," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advo- cacy for the NFPA. "Propane gas hose leaks or breaks were the leading factors contributing to gas grill fires. It is good practice to check for damage before using it for the first time each year, and to clean and check the entire grill regularly." When grilling, the NFPA suggests the following: ■ Stay alert when grilling. Do not grill if you are sleepy or when you are drinking alcohol. ■ Don't leave your cooking or grill area unattended. ■ Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. Remove flam- mable materials from around the grill. Additional grilling safety tips to con- sider: ■ Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors. ■ Grills should be placed well away from the home and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. ■ Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Note: A light soap and water solution applied to the hose is a great way to check for leaks. You can often smell a propane leak but propane also will release bubbles when the soap and water solution is applied. If you detect a leak, turn the gas tank and grill off. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. ■ Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before igniting. ■ If you smell gas while cooking, imme- diately move away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. ■ If the flames go out for any reason, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before relighting it. ■ Keep your grill clean by regularly removing grease or fat buildup from the grates and trays below. Charcoal grill safety tips to consider: ■ There are several ways to get the char- coal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel. ■ If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquid to the flames. ■ Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. ■ Electric charcoal starters do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use. ■ When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container with a lid. For additional infor mation, visit www.nfpa.org/grilling or download the NFPA's safety tips sheet on grilling for easy access. HOMES PLUS JUNE 2014 6 2 3 8 5 8 2 0 0 2 4021 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. www.badgermetalfinishing.net •Commercial/Residential •Repair and Repainting •Free Estimates •5 Day Service •Free Pickup and Delivery Badger Metal Finishing 414.482.4820 Don't buy new - RENEW Using the newest technologies in coating and refinishing! 237980052 Free estimates • Bonded/Insured • Open Weekends! Foggy windows a problem? No need to replace the entire window, replace only the glass... at a fraction of the cost! Glass Pro Inc. –– the glass replacement professional –– www.GlassProInc.net 262-679-4990 [West] • 414-525-1599 [South] • 414-453-1060 [North] 238310002 Specializing in: Thermo-pane and Plate Glass Replacement, Mirrors and Tabletops, Auto Glass and Windshield Repair, Glass Block, Custom Shower Doors, Vinyl Replacement Windows Association urges grillers to be mindful of safety June and July are peak months for summer grilling accidents

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