Grilling Safety – White Plains Public Safety (2024)

FAQs

What are the safety rules for grilling? ›

Safety Tips

Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.

Avoid placing grills too close to combustible deck rails. Grill outside only. Never use a grill in a garage, vehicle, tent or other enclosed space, even if ventilated, due to risk of harmful carbon monoxide buildup. Keep the grill going on a cold day.

The porch should be at least eight feet tall to reduce the risk of fire. Set up your grill at least a few feet away from your home and the posts of your deck. Avoid grilling with a charcoal grill under a porch because they can reach up to 700º F.

NFPA Code 10.11. 6.1 – For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, grill, or other similar devices used for cooking ,heating, or any other purpose shall be used or kindled on any balcony, under any overhanging portion, or within 10 feet of any structure. (Note: This includes ELECTRIC GRILLS as well.)

Yes, it is safe to use public grill, just take a few steps before cooking: clean the grill grates, remove debris from the bottom, and preheat the grill well before adding food directly to the grates. You can also cover the grates with aluminum foil if you'd prefer an extra barrier.

Always grill outdoors. Grills must be 10 feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer's instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches. Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).

Propane and charcoal grills should be only used outdoors. The grill should be placed away from the home or deck railing, and out from under eaves of your home and overhanging tree branches. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.

Place your grill in a safe location on the deck. Choose a spot that is well ventilated and away from any flammable materials such as plants, furniture, curtains, or overhanging branches. Ideally, your grill should be at least 10 feet from any combustible surface.

Use in well-ventilated area.

Set up your grill in an open area that is away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves, or brush. Be sure to avoid high traffic areas and always barbecue in a well-ventilated area. Be aware of wind-blown sparks.

No matter what you're grilling this summer, build a two-zone fire. This means the coals are banked to one side of the grill, giving you a hot zone and a cooler area--and the flexibility to tackle any recipe. Direct heat is good for quick-cooking ingredients, like thin chops, chicken wings, or sliced vegetables.

How far does a grill have to be from a fence? ›

7 For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, gas-fired grill, charcoal grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose, shall be used or kindled on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within 10 ft (3 m) of any structure.

GENERAL GRILLING TIPS

The first rule of grilling, according to Bob Barton: Don't be in a hurry. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are white ash. Don't be impatient with meats on the grill; turn when they are ready to be turned, not a minute before.

Wash your hands with soap before and after handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Wash work surfaces, utensils, and the grill before and after cooking. Keep meat, poultry, and seafood refrigerated until ready to grill. When transporting, keep 40°F or below in an insulated cooler.