Gottheimer announces three-Part ‘Grill Safety Plan’ to prevent grill-related accidents

NEW JERSEY – U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) Monday launched his new three-part “Grill Safety Plan” during National Grilling Month to reduce the risk of grill-related injuries.

Gottheimer was also joined by safety advocates to highlight simple tips for safe grilling this summer.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of 22,155 Americans go to the emergency rooms every year because of grill injuries. July is peak season for grill fires.

There are more than 11,000 home fires each year that involve grills, barbecues, and hibachis. These fires cause approximately $172 million a year in direct property damage, according to the NFPA.

“There is nothing like those summer days, firing up the grill and searing some hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, and some good Jersey corn. Whether you have your own grill or take advantage of the fantastic grill pits at parks like this one, grilling is one of our great American summer pastimes,” Gottheimer said. “That’s why, as part of National Grilling Month, I’m announcing today a three-part Grill Safety Plan to ensure all Jersey families can barbecue safely this summer.”

Risks Associated with Grilling Include:

• Burns: Nearly forty-seven percent of the grill-related injuries that land Americans in the hospital are thermal burns. Nearly 3,000 children each year go to the ER because they get burned by a grill.
• Grill Fires: Gas grills are involved in more than 9,000 fires annually. In May, a grill fire destroyed a home in Howell Township.
• Metal Grill Brushes: According to a 2016 study, 1,700 Americans went to an emergency room between 2002 and 2014 because they ingested wire bristles in grilled food. One in four of those people had to be admitted to the hospital.
• Carbon Monoxide: According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 100,000 people visit the ER and 400 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning. There have been several documented cases of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of grilling in garages and homes without sufficient ventilation.
• Food-Borne Illness: The CDC reports that nearly 48 million Americans get a food-borne illness each year — because they inadvertently eat something that’s contaminated, don’t wash their hands, or cook their meat all the way through. Of that, 128,000 people are hospitalized annually, and 3,000 die.

Gottheimer’s Three Part Grill Safety Plan Includes:

1. The Strengthening Education and Funding Awareness for Grilling Act or SAFE Grilling Act, commonsense legislation that will fund and direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission launch a public awareness campaign on grill safety, addressing leaks, burns, wire brushes, and other key safety tips.
2. A letter to the FDA, asking them to update their guidance on food-borne illnesses like E.Coli and Salmonella and make them more understandable for everyday Americans.
3. A letter to the National Fire Protection Association, asking them to update their guidance and best practices to fire departments in communities around the country on grill safety that they can share in an easy to access, understandable way.

In addition to his “Grill Safety Plan,” Gottheimer joined Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Gian Varbaro and Bergen & Passaic County Division of Consumer Affairs Director Christina D’Aloia to provide some tips on safe grilling.

Tips for Safe Grilling Include:

• Establish a safety zone around your grill and never leave it unattended.
• Make sure to stock up on grill accessories as well like mitts, tongs, and aprons.
• Clean your grills to prevent grease build-up.
• Locate the nearest fire extinguisher and have it ready in case of a grill fire.
• Replace your wire brushes each grilling season because the bristles get weaker over time — and consider alternatives like sponges, aluminum foil, and nylon bristle brushes to keep the grill clean.
• If you start feeling a headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, and more while grilling, turn the grill off and seek medical treatment immediately.
• Cook meat all the way through to prevent food-borne illnesses — and sanitize both your hands and grill before cooking.
• Make sure to keep your grill’s owner’s manual and use your grill in the way it’s intended.
  • Only use grills indoors that are meant for indoor grilling.
• Don’t use too much starter fluid.

• Check and make sure there aren’t any gas leaks.
• Clean your grill after every use.
• Wear appropriately fitting clothing without loose pieces to avoid them catching fire.
• Make sure to cook your food through, not to cross contaminate, and to properly store your food after it has been cooked.

Gottheimer was joined by Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte, River Edge Mayor Thomas Papaleo, River Edge Councilman Barry Benson, River Edge Councilwoman Michelle Kauffman, River Edge Fire Chief Robert Schlossberg, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Gian Varbaro, Bergen & Passaic County Division of Consumer Affairs Director Christina D’Aloia, and members of the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service.