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Summer is here, and with it returns the popular summer cookout. Backyard barbecues are a popular and fun way to spend a summer afternoon or evening with good friends and family. Unfortunately, Fort Myers personal injury lawyer Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., has represented many families who have experienced the dangers involved in grilling. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2009, 17,700 people were treated in the Emergency Room for grilling injuries, with 22% of those injured under 5 years of age. Half of the injuries were not from fire, but were from contact with the grill.  Between 2004-2008, grilling out caused 3,200 structural fires and 4,500 outdoor fires, totaling approximately 70 million in property damages. Additionally, fires caused by grills are responsible for an annual average of 13 deaths.

Our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers want people to be able to enjoy their summer cookouts without getting injured. Below are some safety tips to follow from the National Fire Prevention Association to keep your grill out safe and fun:

• Keep grills on a level surface away from the house, garage, and of course, the children and pets; if grilling on a patio, make sure furniture and accessories are kept away from the grill; do not grill inside a garage even if it is raining;
• Gas grills: always turn off valves when not in use, and store outside away from house;
• Charcoal grills: only use starter fluids designed for the grill and never use gasoline; limit the amount of starter fluid to a avoid flash fire and never add more starter fluid to a lighted grill;
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible;
•  Never leave a lighted grill unattended;
•  Dispose of cold ashes by wrapping them in heavy duty aluminum foil and putting them in a non-combustible container.

It is always a good idea to check your homeowner's or renter's insurance to make sure that it covers deck/patio/backyard accidents from equipment or appliance fires. Also make sure that the liability coverage includes any guests who may be injured at cookouts.

At Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, PA, our lawyers caution that grill fires are not the only hazard at cookouts. As with any large get-together where guests are invited to your home, remember that it is your responsibility to keep guests safe regarding slip and fall accidents on your premises. Summer cookouts can get busy with guests running in and out of kitchens, and children in and out of pools. Be sure to warn all guests of possible slippery areas around pool decks, and keep an eye out to ensure any spills are promptly mopped up. In addition, keep an eye out for any possible dips/holes in your backyard, which a guest might accidentally fall into or roll their ankle. It is always best to warn your guests of any possible hazards. 

At the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, PA, we hope you enjoy the many pleasures of summer without incident. If you are injured, however, contact our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers for a consultation today.