NEWARK – The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and New Jersey’s county and municipal Consumer Affairs Local Assistance (CALA) offices today continued the commemoration of Summer Safety Week with tips on outdoor grilling and fire safety for New Jersey residents.

“After a long, cold winter, New Jerseyans are excited that summer is finally upon us.  During the week leading up to Memorial Day, we are reminding New Jerseyans to keep summer safe and fun,” New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Steve C. Lee said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has estimated that grill fires on residential properties cause an average of 10 deaths, 100 injuries, and $37 million in property loss each year, nationwide. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the majority of such fires occur in May, June, July and August, and approximately half occur between 5 pm and 8 pm.

General Grill Safety Information from the CPSC and New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs:

Gas Grill-Specific Safety Information:

Thoroughly inspect your gas grill at least once each year, with the following steps:

Additional Safety Information:

New Jersey’s CALA offices work with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to enforce New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, and related statutes and regulations, in each county that includes a CALA office. Consumers can file complaints by contacting their local CALA office or the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of marketplace abuse, can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

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