NORWICH – It is all too common for someone to say they know what they’re doing when they light a fire. The fact is, many do not.
“People need to use common sense,” City of Norwich Fire Chief John Tighe said. Easier said than done.
Here are 10 simple tips to grilling safely that some either may not know, or just may not acknowledge, which can help prevent an accident, and perhaps, save a life.
 1. When the cylinder is refilled, have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks.  
  2. After filling or exchanging, take the cylinder home immediately. Keep the vehicle ventilated and the cylinder valve closed and capped. 
  3. Always use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position. Do not use, store, or transport cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill).
 4. Never leave the grill unattended. Always follow grill manufacturer’s instructions on lighting the grill and make sure the grill top is open when attempting to light the grill.
 5. Before connecting the cylinder to a propane gas grill burner for the first time, use a leak-detection solution (a 50/50 mixture of water and liquid soap) to check connections for tightness. Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks. 
  6. If you suspect a gas leak, and are able to safely turn off the gas supply valve, do so immediately and call the fire department.
 7. Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill. 
 8. Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder. 
 9. Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
10.When not in use, grill burner controls should be turned off and cylinder valve closed.
Chief Tighe said a few other important tips include being sure to only light a grill with the lid open. If the fire goes out, he said, be sure to let the air vent for a few seconds, allowing for trapped gas to escape.
“An individual in Norwich was burned last week because he didn’t let it air out,” he said. “It flashed out and burned him.”
The fire chief also said if grilling with gas, be sure to be at least six feet away from the home. If using open fire charcoal, make sure to be at least 10 to 15 feet away.
“It is dangerous to grill on back porches,” he said. “Always be cautious when using aerosol products (such as Pam to spray the grill) and when opening and closing the lid.”
He added that adding charcoal lighter fluid to an already burning fire is “very dangerous and has very little value,” because the fuel burns quickly and has not much of an effect.
And always, when lighting an open fire, such as a bonfire, Tighe warned never to use gasoline.
“The (gasoline) fumes are heavier than the air,” he said. “They can find their way away from the fire and the fumes will ignite.”
In conclusion, Tighe said anyone who wishes to see fireworks should not attempt to do it on their own.
“Fireworks are illegal and very dangerous,” he said. “If you’re really dying to see fireworks, come down to the (Chenango County) fairgrounds and watch some of the biggest fireworks around. This year we will have a large display on the Fourth and the 15th, so no one has a reason to light their own.”