The typical grill owner cooks outdoors 22 times during the barbecue season, but when asked in a February 2006 survey by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) to select the one or two common summertime risks they are most likely to be concerned about this summer, less than 10 percent of American adults select grilling-related risks or accidents.
A separate industry survey also found that 84 percent of gas grill owners say it is important to follow basic safe grilling tips when using a gas grill, yet only one in three (35%) say they know a great deal about them. To help the 74 million U.S. “barbecue households” enjoy a safe and healthy summer season, the propane industry teamed up with best-selling author and grilling expert Steven Raichlen to release PERC’s Top Ten Tips on Grilling Safety with Propane Gas:
When the cylinder is refilled, have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks.
After filling or exchanging, take the cylinder home immediately. Keep the vehicle ventilated and the cylinder valve closed and capped.
Always use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position. Do not use, store, or transport cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill).
Never leave the grill unattended. Always follow grill manufacturer’s instructions on lighting the grill and make sure the grill top is open when attempting to light the grill.
Before connecting or lighting a propane gas grill, use a leak-detection solution to check connections for tightness. Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
If you suspect a gas leak, and are able to safely turn off the gas supply valve, do so immediately and call the fire department.
Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.
Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
When not in use, grill burner controls should be turned off and cylinder valve closed.
“Interest in grilling is skyrocketing,” said Raichlen, host of Barbecue University on PBS and author of The Barbecue Bible. “Americans love the bold flavors, ease, speed, and entertainment aspects of grilling, all of which continue to drive sales of outdoor grills. Given the large numbers of grillers in this country, it is imperative that safe grilling tips are made available and, more importantly, followed.
“Many people will fire up their propane grills for the first time since last year,” continued Raichlen. “This is the perfect opportunity to get into the habit of performing certain safety procedures so that every barbecue or cookout can be fun and safe.”
The following are additional statistics from a national survey commissioned by the propane industry in March of 2005.
Three in five adults (59 percent) say barbecuing with family and friends is their favorite way to spend the Memorial Day holiday, followed by relaxing at home (36 percent).
Parents are even more likely to want to spend Memorial Day barbecuing with family and friends, with 72 percent selecting this as their favorite way to spend the holiday.
Barbecuing tops the list of activities American adults are most looking forward to when it comes to July 4th. In fact, 44 percent say they are most looking forward to barbecuing with family and friends, followed by 37 percent that say they are most looking forward to going to a fireworks show.
While 84 percent of gas grill owners say it is very important to follow basic safe grilling tips, only one in three (35 percent) say they know “a great deal” about such tips.
A barbecue or cookout also tops the list of the types of events American adults most want to be invited to this summer, with a picnic a distant second place (64 percent vs. 25 percent respectively).
Almost two-thirds of parents (63 percent) say that barbecuing or grilling outdoors is the most fun way for their family to eat dinner together during the summer months. Less than half (28 percent) as many say the same about sitting down for a home-cooked meal.
Grilling has become a staple of American culture. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, more than 80 percent of U.S. families – or 74 million “barbecue households” – now own a barbecue grill. Of those, nearly 65 percent own propane grills. In addition, the average American home has more than one grill, so the importance of following safe grilling tips is even more critical.
“We are delighted to be working with Steven – one of the world’s greatest grillers – to emphasize the need for safety,” said Walter Cressman, chairman of PERC’s Consumer Safety Education Subcommittee. “Our grilling tips are especially relevant during the summer, and a simple way for grillers to enjoy a safe experience this year.”
For additional information about safe grilling tips, propane grills or other propane appliances, please visit www.usepropane.com.