Grill Safety

It's beginning to look a lot like summer in the Poconos! Everyone is tuning up their grills gas and charcoal alike. We all need to remember a few simple safety measures to ensure a safe, happy grilling season.

Here are a few tips from the
National Fire Protection Association:

Facts & figures
• In 2002, gas and charcoal grills caused 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in or on home properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $30 million.
• Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires.
• Gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 600 home structure fires and 3,200 home outdoor fires in 2002.
• Charcoal grills have a higher risk than gas grills of death due to fire or unvented carbon monoxide; most of these deaths do not involve fire.
• Charcoal-fueled or other solid-fueled grills caused an estimated 300 home structure fires and 300 home outdoor fires in 2002.
• Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home structure fires.
• Half of all gas grill and charcoal grill home structure fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.
• Gas fuel is the leading item first ignited for home outdoor gas grill fires.
• Structural member or framing, wall coverings, exterior trim, and plants are the leading items first ignited in home structure or outdoor charcoal grill fires.
Source: NFPA’s One-Stop Data Shop

Safety tips
• Gas and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
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, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
Propane grills
• Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it 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 you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame:
o Turn off the gas tank and grill.
o If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
o If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
o If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
o Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
o Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.
A final word about cookouts: Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

National Fire Protection Association Winter/Holiday Fire Prevention Tips

National Fire Protection Association Winter/Holiday Fire Prevention Tips

The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment and holiday decorations and lighting.

* Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
* Keep candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
* Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Outdoors, use outdoor- rated lights.

See the complete NFPA holiday safety tips list.

Safe Holiday Decoration Hints

As the holidays approach, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging people to look for and eliminate potential dangers from holiday lights and decorations that could lead to fires and injuries. Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 10,800 people for injuries, such as falls, cuts and shocks, related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, there are 11,000 candle-related fires each year, resulting in 150 deaths and 1,200 injuries annually. Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, resulting in 20 deaths, 70 injuries and an average of more than $15 million in property loss and damage. Here are some CPSC tips to make your holiday a safe one.

Winter Maintenance Tips from A2Z Inspections

Home Maintenance Tasks for September - Winter's Coming and here in Northeastern PA winter comes quick!

- Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary.
- Good time to paint interior rooms or shampoo/replace carpets while it's still warm enough to leave windows open.
- In cold-climate areas, remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
- Check heating system including filters, pilot lights, and burners, and have the system serviced by a qualified professional.
- Drain hot water heater. Flush and refill.
- Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns.
- Check that foundations are properly graded. Soil should slope four to six inches for a distance of three feet out from the foundation walls.
- If you haven't already, check basement for cracks or leaks. Seal if necessary.
- If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate.
- Wash out garbage cans, disinfect, and then rinse thoroughly.

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Goodman Manufacturing Co. Announce Changes to 1998 Recall Program to Replace Dangerous Home Heating Vent Pipes

CPSC, Goodman Manufacturing Co. Announce Changes to 1998 Recall Program to Replace Dangerous Home Heating Vent Pipes

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2009
Release #09-323

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 394-8084
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Goodman Manufacturing Co. Announce Changes to 1998 Recall Program to Replace Dangerous Home Heating Vent Pipes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The CPSC and Goodman Manufacturing Company, of Houston, TX, are urging consumers who have not yet responded to the previously-announced 1998 recall to do so immediately. After October 1, 2009, the remedy consumers receive will change to be identical to modifications recently announced for a related recall.

The recall included about 10,000 Plexvent and Ultravent HTPV pipe systems attached to certain Goodman mid-efficiency furnaces manufactured from October 1988 to July 1994 (models GUP, GDP, GUPS, GDPS, GUPI, GDPI, GUPX, GDPX, GMP and GMPV for the following brands manufactured by Goodman: Janitrol, GMC, Hamilton Electric, Franklin, Liberty and Sears/Kenmore). The HTPV pipe used for these vents could be susceptible to corrosion, cracking and joint separation, which could result in the release of carbon monoxide (CO) into living areas, posing a danger to consumers. Goodman did not manufacture the HTPV pipe.

The following table describes the different remedies available to consumers with qualifying furnaces that use the two leading brands of HTPV pipe - Plexvent and Ultravent.

Valid claims initiated on or before October 1, 2009, with remediation completed and required documentation submitted by January 1, 2010.

Plexvent owners AND Ultravent owners: Will receive a new, professionally-installed venting system free of charge or a new, high-efficiency Goodman furnace and suitable vent for the manufacturer's price (of just the furnace), with no charge for labor, associated materials or dealer markup.

Valid claims initiated after October 1, 2009

Plexvent owners: A rebate up to $400 toward either an HTPV replacement system, or a new, high-efficiency furnace from Goodman that does not require HTPV.
Ultravent owners: A rebate up to $250 toward either an HTPV replacement system, or a new, high-efficiency furnace from Goodman that does not require HTPV.

Consumers who register after October 1, 2009 and who choose to repair their systems will be responsible for up-front payment of parts, labor and permits, and will be responsible for arranging to have the work performed.

Consumers should determine whether they have a recalled HTPV pipe system by checking the vent pipes attached to their natural gas furnace. Vent pipes subject to this recall can be identified as follows:

* the vent pipes are plastic;

* the vent pipes are colored gray or black;

* "Plexvent," "Plexvent II" or "Ultravent" is stamped on the vent pipe or printed on stickers placed on pieces used to connect the vent pipes; and

* the vent pipes are located on furnaces and the pipes go through the sidewalls of structures.

Other plastic vent pipes, such as white PVC, are not included in the recall.

Owners of Goodman furnaces that are vented with HTPV pipe should immediately call Goodman at (800) 394-8084 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. CPSC reminds all consumers to have fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected each year to check for cracks or separations in the vents that could allow CO to leak into the home. In addition, CPSC recommends that every home should have at least one CO alarm.

To see this recall update on CPSC's web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09323.html

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Summer Tips for Saving Energy

Home energy costs will rise with the temperature this summer, as air conditioning comes into play and continuing tight natural gas supplies put upward pressure on electricity prices. To help consumers reduce their home energy bills and help the nation reduce overall energy use, the U.S. Department of Energy and the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) have joined forces on a year-long Powerful Savings campaign and offer consumers tips on smart energy practices and energy-efficiency home improvements. See ASE lists of Smart Energy Practices and Energy-Efficiency Improvements. Also, see ASE's No-Cost Low-Cost Tips for Saving Money & Energy.

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