Grilling can cause bodily harm…ESPN's Hannah Storm burn survivor
Preparing dinner one minute, part of a wall of fire the next, Hannah Storm, ESPN's SportsCenter anchor, shares her horrifying experience with a propane grill on December 11, 2012.
The flame on her propane gas grill was blown out by the wind. The clear colored gas pooled in the grill when the flame went out, even though the lid was open. That pool became a ball of fire when she attempted to re-ignited it.
Storms face, neck, chest and hands suffered first- and second-degree burns. Her corneas were saved by her instinct to close her eyes when she saw the flames.
She feels that it is “important to tell and share this story because it was a very simple mistake that I made, but it was a very common mistake. People all over the world grill and they grill all the time, and most of the people that I know really don't understand the proper procedures…” And they don't read the grill instructions.
She shares her story in the video below...
“Fires and burn injuries are not only traumatic for the person, but for the family and community as well,” says Lorraine Carli, Vice President of Communications, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “Hannah is very courageous to share the personal details of her fire experience and burn injury to remind the public to take steps to prevent fires and avoid injuries.”
In Illinois, nearly 170 fires related to outdoor cooking with grills or hibachis were reported during the last two years. According to the NFPA, gas grills are the leading cause of approximately 7,000 home fires in the United States every year.
The Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) offers the following grill safety tips:
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. Using grills in an enclosed space could expose occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
- Position grills well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and tree branches.
- Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
- Designate a three foot “safe zone” around the grill.
- Use long-handled grilling tools for plenty of clearance from heat and flames
- Remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill.
- Do not apply aerosol sun screen lotion before grilling. Read the instructions as some sun block lotions may not be used near heat or flame.
- Never leave the grill unattended.
Charcoal grills:
- Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited.
- Never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to start a grill fire.
- When done grilling, wet coals and make sure they are completely cool before disposing.
- Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles.
- If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it.
- If a gas smell is detected while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
- Use only equipment with the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
For more information about grilling safety, please visit the OSFM’s website or the NFPA's website.