Letter from Northeast Tennessee Executive Director, Glenda Bobalik - April 2017

Earlier this month, my husband bought a new gas grill.  As we put it together and I read the instructions, we were also enjoying the weather as it was a beautiful spring day.  One the grill was put together, a friend situated it on our deck close to the house.  It was a great location if you are only concerned with how it appears.  I surprised the group with my strong objections.  I have seen too many devastated families after their homes burn due to grills placed next to homes.  The grill was moved to a new location far enough from the house for safety.

Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
2. Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
3. Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
4. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
These steps will help to make your grilling experience a success.  Just in case an accident happens anyway, take a minute and download the free Red Cross first aid or emergency app on your mobile phone so that you can respond effectively.

So, as we head outside to enjoy spring, let’s take a minute to think about safety.  Grills, lawnmowers, pools, hiking and so many more activities can be exciting and fun but also have hazards for those not focusing on safety.  We are fortunate to have the great tips and guidelines available on redcross.org.

Take a little time and review the safety tips available and then take the next step and share them with your friends.  Let’s all have a safe and fun spring!

Glenda