According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 10,600 fires are started each year. Whether you own a gas grill, charcoal grill or smoker, it is imperative to put safety first before cooking to cook.
Add more fun and less risk to your next summer barbecue with these 15 barbecue safety tips:
- Check the grill hose for gas leaks. Before using your grill for the first time in the season, make sure it is ready to use. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose and then turn on the propane tank. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose. If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe and ready to light.
- Keep the grill at least 10 feet from your home. Avoid areas near your house, deck, garage, shed, etc. And do not forget to move your grill under the eaves, power lines or overhanging branches.
- Do not grill in the garage. If it rains on your plans, it can be tempting to bring the grill into the garage … but doing so can have serious consequences. Flames and carbon monoxide can build up indoors and lead to fire, toxic fumes or even a gas explosion. Never grill in an enclosed space. It’s never safe.
- Only switch on the grill if the lid is open. If you turn on the grill while the lid is closed, propane can accumulate inside. When ignited, it can explode and cause serious damage to you or the things around you.
- Never leave the grill unattended. Once lit, it needs constant monitoring. Do not go indoors or so far away that you could not detect or react to danger. While smokers take hours to cook and it is not ideal to sit and wait, it is safe to sync it to your smartphone for monitoring, as long as you physically check the smoker frequently.
- Create a “child-free zone”. Encourage children (and even pets) to stay at least three feet away from the grill. Think about your garden settings and high-traffic areas before placing your grill so that it is not in the way of fun.
- Grill on an even surface. Place the grill on a flat, solid surface like a concrete slab to prevent it from tipping over. Consider adding a barbecue mat under it to protect your deck or patio.
- Hold a fire extinguisher near the grill. Baking soda, a bucket of sand or a garden hose can control a grease fire, but a fire extinguisher is always the safest and most secure option. Have one nearby when you grill and know how to use it. For smaller flames from grease droplets, have a spray bottle of water on hand so you can quickly put out flames before they spread.
- If you smell gas when grilling, walk away. Call the fire brigade immediately if you smell gas. Do not risk continuing to grill and possibly exposing yourself to danger.
- Wear a sturdy apron and oven gloves. Protect yourself from heat and flames with the right barbecue clothes. Always wear shoes near the grill and choose sneakers with closed toe over sandals. Consider wearing barbecue gloves to protect your hands from flames. Never wear loose clothing when grilling.
- Use tools with long handles. Avoid burns and splashes with extra long tools.
- Clean your grill regularly. The more fat and grease that has built up on your grill, the more fuel there is for a fire. When it has cooled, clean the grill grate and empty the grease tray.
- Do not cover the grill until it has cooled down. Before leaving the grill, double check that everything is switched off and that the gas tank is completely closed. Even after dinner, the grill can still be hot. To avoid unnecessary burns this summer, do not move, store or cover the grill until you are sure it has cooled down.
- Put charcoal and embers in a metal jar, away from your home. Once the grill has cooled, dispose of your charcoal and glow properly. Throw them in an empty metal jar instead of in your trash or garden. Improper disposal can lead to larger flames.
- Store propane tanks outside and away from your house. Store propane tanks outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Keep them upright and always check that the valves are completely closed.
Now that you’re covered for cookouts with our 15 barbecue safety tips, make sure the rest of your home is equally covered with homeowners insurance. Talk to a local, independent agent about your current policy and where you can add protection.
Source link
