ALBANY, NY (WENY) – As New Yorkers look towards nicer weather and Memorial Day weekend, many will be firing up their grills for the first time in months.
The Firefighters Association of New York (FASNY) recommends that people follow some basic rules and tips to avoid accidents and injuries.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of nearly 20,000 patients per year from 2014 to 2018 went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.
Nearly half of the injuries were thermal burns, including burns from both fire and contact with hot objects.
Grills alone were involved in an average of 8,900 home fires per year.
“We want all New Yorkers to enjoy the warm weather outdoors, but we also want them to be safe. Keep an eye on your grill, your kids, and stay aware of your surroundings ,” said FASNY President John P. Farrell, ?”We are here to help – no matter how big or small an incident seems. Don’t hesitate to call your local fire department because a few minutes can make a big difference.”
Children under age five accounted for an average of 2,000 or 39%, of the contact-type burns per year. These burns typically occurred when someone bumped into, touched or fell on the grill, grill parts or hot coals.
With this in mind, it is important to keep the grill away from the house, keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area, keep the grill clean, and never leave it unattended.
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