Grilling Safety Tips to Know Before You Barbecue

Sarasota and Manatee Counties – We do love our grills!

According to the National Fire Protection Association, grill fires contribute to an average of over 10,000 home fires each year. Furthermore, thermal burns account for almost half of all grill-related injuries.

That’s why learning grilling safety tips is crucial to keep everyone safe throughout a barbecue. Check out the essential grilling safety tips below.

Grilling Safety Tips — Do’s

• DO keep the grill at least 10 feet away from structures, such as the garage or porch. Avoid grilling under overhanging tree branches and leaves. The further away from structures, the lower the risk of fire.
• DO maintain the grill by cleaning the grease or fat buildup after every use with a grill brush. Doing so not only decreases the risk of fire, but also helps the food cook better.
• DO keep water in a spray bottle and a fire extinguisher nearby. Since grilling involves fire, there is always a risk for minor flare-ups, so you should have something to extinguish the fire with, in case of emergency.
• DO place the coals from the grill in a metal can after you’ve finished grilling; allow the coals to cool off first.
• DO check fire regulations If you are camping. Many areas may be closed to all fires (including charcoal grills) due to dry conditions.

Grilling Safety Tips — Don’ts

• DON’T allow small children and pets to come close to the grilling area.
• DON’T turn on the gas with the lid closed. If there’s any gas trapped under the lid, it will instantly turn into a fireball that can cause serious burn injuries.
• DON’T leave a lit grill unattended. In case the grill catches fire, an adult should be around to extinguish it quickly. Fires can quickly spread without constant supervision.
• DON’T grill indoors. Propane and charcoal grills must never be used indoors. Besides the fire hazard, there is a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• DON’T barbecue too much food at once. Although it seems time-efficient, cooking too much food at once can cause too much fat to drip down onto the grill flames, potentially causing a small fire.

How to Check Your Propane Tank for Leaks

This is particularly necessary at the start of grilling season. In cold weather, the harsher elements can damage the pipe and cause leakages.

The best method to detect a propane tank leak is to make a solution with one part water and one part dish soap. Apply the solution to the line that connects the grill to the gas tank. If bubbles appear on the line when you turn on the gas, have the grill serviced immediately.

An alternate method to check for gas leaks is to use your sense of smell. An unusual smell in a propane burner when you turn it off may indicate a leak.

How To Properly Turn Off Your Grill

Many fires have been triggered when the grill was improperly closed. Hot coals pose a danger even after being completely brushed over. Wait at least 72 hours so that the ashes are completely cool when removing them and cleaning up your grill.

For gas grills, disconnect the propane tank from the grill very carefully. Make sure that the valve is locked securely, so there is no gas leakage.

For Fire Damage Cleanup, Contact PuroClean of Bradenton, your Mitigation Professionals!

As fire restoration experts, we advise you to be vigilant when grilling and consider our grilling safety tips. Extra outdoor fire safety precautions for the Fourth of July weekend and the summer holidays are a must!

Unfortunately, fire damage incidents can still happen to the most cautious of homeowners. If your property has suffered fire or smoke damage, don’t call the amateurs. Contact PuroClean for professional and reliable smoke and fire damage restoration for homes or businesses at 941-877-2288 or email us at [email protected].