There’s nothing better than a summer day and the smell of grilled food in the air! Food always seems to taste better when it’s cooked outdoors. May, June, July, and August are the months that people most commonly grill during, however, they’re also common months for grill fires. July being the most dangerous month for it to occur. Be prepared so your barbecue doesn’t go up in flames.
Location Matters
You might like the idea of having your grill neatly placed on your porch, but that’s not always the best idea. In fact, it’s recommended to keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home.
Grills underneath patio overhangs or low hanging trees can also pose a major risk, especially if the fire gets out of hand.
Decor such as, outdoor umbrellas, chairs, wind chimes, etc. should also be far out of the area. Similar to overhangs or trees, all it takes is a little bit of heat to make these items go up in flames.
Additionally, children and pets should be at least 3 feet away from the grilling area. If your children and pets are running around outdoors they could bump the grill causing it to fall and cause them to get burns. Prevent serious accidents by keeping them away.
And of course, never grill indoors. This may be common sense, however, many still do it. Not only does this cause a bigger fire hazard, but you’re putting carbon monoxide into your home which can kill your family.
Grill Maintenance
Don’t neglect your grill, make sure it’s clean before you start to cook. This will make it last longer and a lot safer to use. Grease will build up over time and this provides an easy trigger for a bigger fire to start. You can purchase a variety of cleaning equipment from many online retailers or in store for an affordable price, so there’s no reason for a dirty grill!
If you own a charcoal grill only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add more to a fire that’s already started or use any other liquid. This can be dangerous and contaminate food. Keep all starting fluid out of reach of your children and make sure to let the coals completely cool after grilling. If the coals are still hot and you dump them out this could cause a fire on your property if you aren’t careful.
When using propane it’s important to check for gas leaks, especially when it’s been sitting for a prolonged period of time. To check for a leak simply apply a small amount of soapy water to the hose. If the soap bubbles it’s a sign you have a leak. Make sure to get your grill serviced before you cook. Additionally, if you ever smell gas while cooking, step away from the grill and call the fire department for assistance. Don’t try to fix the solution yourself!
Emergencies Can Happen
If a serious emergency does occur, knowing what to do beforehand will help keep everyone safe and calm. Keep a small spray bottle next to your grill station, this will help prevent small flare ups from turning into something bigger.
Make sure you also have a list of emergency numbers nearby. In case someone does get hurt, you’ll know who to call.
Additionally, have a fire extinguisher and understand how to use it. However, if a fire does break out and becomes hard to control, don’t fight it and put your family at risk. Call 911 and evacuate your home.
So, now that you and your family have a safety plan in place, it’s time to enjoy the best part of any barbecue, the food! In fact, if you’re looking to enjoy a delicious cookout, mark your calendars because our insurance agency is holding one right at our office on Main Street.
We’ll be holding our annual Flag Day BBQ and celebration, so come join us! It’s free and family friendly.