Orange County Fire Rescue Department
Public Information Office
Carl L. Plaugher, Fire Chief

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            
Contact:  Marianne Nuckles/Paramedic/PIO                                                         
                    
PIO Pager: 407-836-9890   
  
Orange County, Fl., July 4th is the peak of the summer and many Orange County citizens will be outside enjoying all that Central Florida has to offer; this will include firing up the grill.

Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year, about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Orange County Firefighters offer these safety tips:

•Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage
•Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks
•Move gas hoses away from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease
•Check for gas leaks when you connect the hoses
•Never use a grill on a porch. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building.
•Never burn charcoal inside of garages or a closed environment, even if ventilation is provided.
•Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.

Additionally, when outside grilling remember lightning is the MOST UNDERRATED weather hazard. Lightning makes every single thunderstorm a potential killer, whether the storm produces one single bolt or ten thousand bolts. Remember the 30/30 rule. The 30/30 Rule states that everyone should seek shelter if the "Flash-To-Bang" delay, length of time in seconds between a lightning flash and its subsequent thunder, is 30 seconds or less and that everyone remain under cover until 30 minutes after the final clap of thunder.

Studies have shown most people, when struck by lightning, are struck not at the height of a thunderstorm, but before and after the storm has peaked. Many people are unaware of how far lightning can strike from its parent thunderstorm. DO NOT wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter.

Let us make SAFETY NUMBER ONE this 4th of July weekend.

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