Summer is just around the corner and grilling season is in full swing. As you plan to spend more time outdoors and use your grill for dining and entertaining, keep these helpful safety tips in mind to keep you and your family safe this summer.
Grilling safety is essential to ensuring your family’s protection. While these tips may seem simple and obvious, they are very important reminders. Burns, grill fires, and emergency room visits can all be avoided by following the safety tips below.
1. BE READY TO PUT OUT THE FIRE
Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand next to the grill. Never use water to put out a grease fire.
2. MAKE SURE YOUR GRILL IS STABLE
Only set up your grill on a flat surface and make sure the grill can’t be tipped over. Consider using a grill pad or splatter mat underneath your grill to protect your deck or patio.
3. KEEP YOUR GRILL CLEAN
Remove grease or fat buildup from both the grill and the tray below the grill. If you are using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to cool off completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
4. CHECK FOR PROPANE LEAKS ON YOUR GAS GRILL
Before the season’s first barbecue, check the gas tank hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose and then turning on the gas. If there is a propane leak, the solution will bubble. Other signs of a propane leak include the smell of gas near the grill or a flame that won’t light.
5. IF THE FLAME GOES OUT, WAIT TO RE-LIGHT
If you are using a gas grill and the flame goes out, turn the grill and the gas off, then wait at least five minutes to re-light it.
6. TAKE CARE AROUND THE GRILL
Never leave a lit grill unattended. Don’t allow kids or pets to play near the grill. Never try to move a lit or hot grill and remember the grill will stay hot for at least an hour after use.
7. WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHING
Clothing can easily catch fire, so be sure your shirttails, sleeves or apron strings don’t dangle over the grill.
8. GRILL OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM ANY STRUCTURES
Gas grills are designed for outdoor use only. However, the National Fire Protection Association reports that more than one-quarter (27%) of home fires started by outdoor grills began in a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 29% started on an exterior balcony or open porch. The following guidelines are some important safety tips to prevent fires:
- Pay attention to overhanging tree branches when you set up your grill.
- The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended and always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
- Remove flammable materials from around the grill.
Be safe and aware this grilling season to keep you and your family safe!
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These easy-to-follow tips will help you and your family to enjoy a safe summer grilling season. If you ever have any questions on grilling and grilling safety, don’t hesitate to contact us.