Margate Fire Department offers grilling safety tips

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MARGATE - Everyone loves to grill hot dogs, hamburgers and juicy steaks outdoors during the summer, but it could turn tragic if simple safety tips are not followed.

Margate Fire Chief Dan Adams said most of the fire calls received during the summer months are from grilling flare ups that can create hazards for residents and visitors to the shore town. July is the peak month for grill fires and half of all injuries involve thrermal burns, he said.

Adams recommends:

• Placing grills away from the home, deck railings and out from under the eaves and overhanging tree branches


• Keeping children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill


• Keep the grill clean by removing grease buildup on the grills and tray below


• Never leave the grill unattended, and


• Always be sure the grill lid is open before you light it.

• Use a charcoal chimney to get the grill started


• Never us anything but charcoal fluid to start the grill, never use other flammable liquids


• Keep fluids away from children and heat sources


• If using an electrict starter, be sure to use an outdoor rated extension cord


• Let coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container

Here's how: Apply light soapy water to the hose. If it's leaky, bubbles will form. If you smell gas or see soapy bubbles, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. Have 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 no move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn off the grill and gas tank and wait 5 minutes before re-lighting it.

The city has two fire stations in the north and south areas of the city. In the event of an emergency call 609-822-5562 and the attendant will dispatch a truck from the nearest fire station.