TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Memorial Day weekend is looking a little different this year while we continue to push through the coronavirus pandemic.
While you continue to social distance this holiday weekend the Tallahassee Fire Department also wants you to stay safe in another way and is issuing some reminders before firing up the grill.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, more than 16,000 people are admitted to the Emergency Room yearly from grill-related injuries.
"Burns are very significant, serious injuries," said Richard Jones, the deputy fire chief for TFD. "They scar and they're very painful."
Jones has some tips for everyone to stay safe, and the first is to grill on a flat, hard surface.
"We don't want you on uneven ground or where there's gravel where the grill might tip over," Jones said.
Do not grill inside a garage or house, under a car port, or on a deck.
"We want to make sure you're 15 feet away from the structure," said Jones.
At the Fresh 4 Less on Monroe, several people said they are staying close to home for the Memorial Day weekend, smoking and grilling while social distancing.
"I"m cooking for my mom, a couple of neighbors and whatnot, and we're going to be fine," said Will Ferrell. "The neighbors know they can come, it's on the grill, it's a thrill."
Ferrell says he's taking all of the necessary precautions this weekend.
"I've got all of my fire extinguishers around me, on the grill patio, so, therefore, I don't expect any fires or anything like that," Ferrell said. "I expect the neighbors kids are going to jump the fence, come over and get my meat when I go inside."
The National Fire Protection Agency says approximately 9,600 home fires start with the use of a grill.
July is the month with the most grill-related fires, followed by May.
