Commack Tips for Summer BBQ Safety

If you're like most Long Islanders you've already taken the barbeque utensils out of the mothballs and are well on your way to a season full of grilled gastronomic delights.

According to the FireSafety.gov – a government-run web resource for residential fire safety and prevention information – barbecues caused around 900 house fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in 2002.

So before you strap on the "Kiss the Cook" apron and sharpen your giant stainless steel spatula read through our tips and tricks to have a safe and enjoyable time.

Grills should only be lit in a well-ventilated area and never use one inside, especially a charcoal grill, which gives off carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can kill you.

"Try to keep the grill a good distance away from your home or any trees," suggests Fireman Joe Barberia, Fire Prevention Officer for Commack Fire Department.

He also stressed that you should never close a barbecue and walk away from it.

"Once you close it you should be nearby," he said. "The temperature gets up over 500 degrees. Temperature control is something people need to be aware of."

Keep an eye on the kids and your pets so they don't get too close and for your personal safety don't wear loose clothing that could catch fire. If you do catch fire, remember what you learned in elementary school: Stop, Drop and Roll.

Fireman Joe stressed that you should never, ever throw water on a grease fire. Instead use an approved fire extinguisher.

"Always keep an ABC fire extinguisher nearby," he said. "Not many people do that but they should."

Before you use your gas grill the first time, make sure that you check all the hoses and connections for leaks and never overfill the propane tank. It might be a good idea to get into the habit of checking for leaks every time you change the tank.

"Fill stations will do a proper inspection of propane tanks," said Barberia. "But to check for leaks yourself use soapy water and smear it by connections. If you see bubbling there's a leak."

If you do find a leak then don't use the grill; bring the tank to a fill station for servicing or replacement.

When using charcoal grills, never to pour lighter fluid directly on hot coals. The flame could ignite the fluid stream and burn you or possibly explode. While we're on the subject of explosions, never use gasoline or kerosene to light a fire.

"Definitely not," says Chris Handey, owner of Commack Hardware at 1158 Jericho Turnpike. "The safest way is to buy Matchlight charcoal treated with a lighting agent instead of spraying lighter fluid."

When you're finished with a charcoal grill always put the cover back on a grill and close the vents to allow the coals to burn out for a day or two before disposing of them.

For propane tank care, Handey said that you should store old propane tanks outside and away from a building. Try not to put them in a shed, a concern that Barberia had as well.

"To disposal of propane tanks, bring them to local propane fill station," Barberia said. "Do not throw them away in the trash and don't just throw them in dumpsters in shopping malls."