Hi Prince Georgians, As we prepare for the unofficial beginning of summer and to chow down on some BBQ during the Memorial holiday weekend, we must take a sec to remind ourselves of grill safety! According to the US Fire Administration, over half of home grill fires start on patios, terraces, screened-in and unenclosed porches, balconies, and courtyards. These home grill fires cause an estimated $37 million in property loss each year. Also, according to the US Fire Protection Agencies, July (17%) was the peak month for grill fires, followed by June (14%), May (13%) and August (12%) and in roughly one-quarter of grill fires, the grill had not been cleaned. The most important things you can do to prevent grill fires are to: – Never grill on on the second floor or higher and never grill on an enclosed porch or patio. – Only use grills outdoors, away from siding and deck railings. – Clean grills often and remove grease or fat build-up. – Make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting. – Have a 3-foot safe-zone around grills and keep kids and pets away from the area. – Dispose of coals after they have cooled in a metal can. – Never leave grills, fire pits and patio torches unattended.