Well it’s the unofficial kickoff to summer this weekend. That’s right, Memorial Day weekend is the time when many of us gather with family and friends for cookouts, picnics, or other gatherings, but we need to remember first and foremost that the purpose of this weekend is to remember those brave service men and women who put their lives in harm’s way to protect this nation, its citizens, and the rights granted onto us.
Since most people are thinking about cookouts this weekend, on top of our military, we thought it’d be a great idea to discuss grilling outside in a safe and responsible manner to ensure that you don’t end up with a CT homeowners insurance claim this weekend!
At its most basic state, the grill is just a metal bin that contains open flame, so common sense would say to only spend as much time as necessary to cook your food over the grill, yet so many of us linger around the grill when we don’t need to. One little misstep can lead to severe burns to yourself or anyone who may be lingering around the grill. Furthermore, it could also very well cause a fire to your property, say your porch or back deck, that could then spread to the main part of the home. Or thing about the possibility of a low hanging tree branch that could easily ignite.
Whether you’re of the gas or charcoal variety, the simple truth is this: the food is delicious, but the fire hazard is always there. That’s why have the proper tools, like appropriate- length tongs, flame-resistant gloves, and a fire extinguisher handy are the ways in which you can most significantly reduce the risk of fire or injury while enjoying the sound of sizzling sirloins or the smell of slow cooking brisket.
Remember, a happy and safe grilling experience is what you want every time. You certainly don’t want to find yourself in the process of filing a Connecticut homeowners insurance claim because you neglected to check the the close proximity between your grill’s flame and the down spout on your deck, thus causing a small, but damaging fire.