Contact:
Karl Newman, President
Darrin Sanger, Communications Director
NW Insurance Council    
Phone: (800) 664-4942
Fax: (206) 624-1975
karl.newman@nwinsurance.org
darrin.sanger@nwinsurance.org

Common sense a key ingredient for safe Fourth of July barbecues

SEATTLE - Barbecuing outdoors is a terrific way to enjoy the Fourth of July with friends and family. However, an improperly handled grill can cause fires and propane tanks can be explosive.

Common sense is the key ingredient to prevent your holiday from becoming tragic and costly.

Americans fire up barbecue grills more than three billion times a year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. In 2005, gas and charcoal grills caused 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires in or on home properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $137 million.

"Your Homeowners policy covers fire caused by a barbecuing accident," said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president. "However, the cost, hassle and danger associated with a fire can be reduced or eliminated by following common-sense safety guidelines that can make an insurance claim unnecessary."

Backyard grillers with Homeowners Insurance can have peace of mind knowing that standard policies cover damage to your home, its contents and structures on your property caused by fire.

For furniture and personal belongings, most companies provide replacement cost coverage up to 70 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home, subject to both your deductible and policy limitations for special items such as jewelry, furs or antiques.

NW Insurance Council offers these tips to help you safely enjoy your barbecue this Fourth of July:

• When ready to barbecue, wear a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits high up over your forearm.
• With gas grills, make sure the gas cylinder is always stored outside and away from your house. Make sure valves are off when you are not using them. Regularly check for leaks in the connections using a soap and water mix that will show bubbles where gas escapes.
• Keep your barbecue grill on a level surface away from the house. Be sure to leave sufficient space between the grill and siding, eaves, garage, landscaping, and most of all, children.
• For charcoal grills, only use starter fluids designed for those grills. Never use gasoline, and only use a limited amount of starter fluid. If the fire is too slow, add dry kindling and more charcoal if necessary. Never add more liquid fuel. You could experience a flash fire.
• Be sure to soak the coals with water before you put them in the trash.

For more information on grilling safety and Homeowners Insurance, contact NW Insurance Council at (800) 664-4942 or visit www.nwinsurance.org.

NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education organization funded by member insurance companies serving Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

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