Barbecue Safety Tips for The Grill Master
For some barbecue season is year round and for some grilling starts when it gets a bit warmer outside, in California we could barbecue nearly all year round. No matter when you grill, barbecue safety should be a top priority. Every year barbecues cause property damage and injury. In 2011 – 2015, fire departments went to an annual average of 9,600 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including 4,100 structure fires and 5,500 outside or unclassified fires.
As the weather gets warmer, there is nothing like the scent of food on the grill or the taste of a bbq burger or steak, even a Portabella mushroom is amazing. I think we’ve all went outside and caught the scent of our neighbor’s barbecue and were a little envious!
Barbecue Safety Tips
Grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook food. There are risks when barbecuing your favorite foods. A grill placed too close to anything that can burn is definitely a fire hazard. Because barbecues are very hot they can also cause burn injuries. Follow these grilling tips from NFPA to protect yourself and your property:
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
- 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.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it
Charcoal Grills Safety Tips
For some the love of a charcoal grill is worth the extra work. Amazing Ribs says the following about charcoal grill masters:
Charcoal purists are passionate and border on rabid. They who would never ever never no how no way own a gas grill.
But as we have seen, from a taste standpoint, they do have a point. The best reasons to buy a charcoal grill is that charcoal can get hotter than standard gas grills without infrared burners. In addition, charcoal, especially before it is fully lit, emits stronger smoke flavors that impact food more the longer it cooks.
- There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
- If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
- Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. KKK There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Gas or Propane Barbecue Safety Tips
- Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
- Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
- If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill.
- If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
- If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.
- Do not move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.
Causes of Grill Fires
- In roughly one of every five fires, the grill had not been cleaned. To prevent fires, keep the grill clean.
- Position the grill away from the home and from other things that can burn.
- Eleven percent of home grill structure fires began when an outside wall caught fire. Six percent began with some type of structural member or framing.
- Cooking requires attention, and barbecuing is no exception.
GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is Dedicated To Keeping You Safe
We understand that life gets busy, but taking the time to follow these barbecue safety tips can save injury or property damage. GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. offers solutions to the many risks that homeowners have.
Located in Turlock, CA, we specialize in providing Homeowners Insurance solutions so you can get back to the business of living, knowing one of your largest assets is protected. Contact us at 1-209-634-2929 learn more about all of our personal risk management solutions for your home, auto and life.