The heat has returned to Nevada, with temperatures already approaching 100F. The hot weather also means that thousands of people are gearing up for grilling season. If you’re planning to sear some steaks or smoke a full packer brisket then now is a good time to refresh your Las Vegas grilling safety practices. Whether you’re using charcoal, propane, or wood pellets, a grill can be a dangerous appliance. It’s important to use it safely, for your sake and that of your family and guests.
Even if you are a grill master, you should still be cautious around your barbecue grill. After all, the slightest grilling mistake can cause a severe burn injury. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grill injuries are responsible for 19,700 emergency room visits and 9,500 thermal burns each year.
If you or a loved one suffer any sort of burn injury and are even slightly suspicious another person or institution might bear some responsibility, contact our Las Vegas personal injuries attorneys right away.
Las Vegas Grilling Safety Basics
There are a number of simple steps that will greatly increase your Las Vegas grilling safety and decrease your chances of a burn injury. They include:
- Always using protective gloves
- Using tongs to keep your hands a safe distance from the grill
- Never leaving a grill unattended
- Using a chimney or electric starter on charcoal grills to control open flames
- Making sure lighter fluid can’t be accessed by children
- Never congregating around the grill
Never Grill Indoors
This might sound surprising, but some people do not know that charcoal, propane, and pellet grills should not be used indoors. In addition to the danger posed by heat, these grills emit smoke and fumes that could be lethal. Some people believe that using a grill in a garage is safe, but many garages do not have adequate ventilation for grilling.
To ensure the safety of your family and guests–and to avoid a premises liability lawsuit–never use charcoal, propane, or pellet grills indoors.
Grill Placement Matters
Sufficient airflow is vital to Las Vegas grilling safety. You must make sure that smoke and fumes can disperse safely. You must also be sure that an unsafe amount of smoke and fumes cannot enter your home. Do not position your grill near your screen door or any other portion of your home that can take in air. Doing so could make the air inside your apartment or house unsafe.
A grill positioned by deck railings, below eaves, and near branches or leaves is a legitimate safety hazard. Never position your grill near anything flammable. If the flames get out of control, they can spread to your home and lead to a fire. The NFPA reports that 10,600 home fires are caused by grills every year.
Las Vegas Grilling Safety Prevents Life-changing Burns
Grilling burns are classified by degrees. The least severe burn is referred to as a first-degree burn. This type of burn will cause significant pain and injury to the outer layer of the skin known as the epidermis. A first-degree burn is similar to a sunburn, yet it does not cause blistering. Such a minor burn may take upwards of five days to fully heal.
There is a meaningful difference between first-degree burns and second-degree burns. Also known as a partial-thickness burn, second-degree burns form blisters. This deep burn affects the epidermis as well as the lower skin level known as the dermis. A partial-thickness burn will be quite painful and likely appear red or pink in color. This burn could take up to an entire month to heal.
If your grill’s flames make direct contact with skin at an especially high heat, a third-degree burn, also known as a full-thickness burn, might occur. This type of burn can look deep red or black. A full-thickness burn will destroy the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Such burns almost always require the removal of dead skin and necessitate skin grafting to avoid heavy scarring.
Following the aforementioned Las Vegas grilling safety tips will help you, your family, and your guests avoid any type of burn.
Contact a Las Vegas Burn Injuries Attorney
You deserve compensation for your burn injury even if it is slightly the fault of another person or institution. Lerner and Rowe’s Las Vegas burn injuries attorneys will zealously advocate on your behalf in and out of court to obtain the compensation you deserve. Let us navigate the legal maze while you recuperate.
You can reach out to Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys by dialing 702-877-1500. Our office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our team is standing by 24/7, whether you prefer to reach us by phone, secure online form, or LiveChat. There is no risk in meeting with us for a free consultation. You will not pay a penny unless our legal team wins your case. Contact us today!