Grilling Safety Tips for a Summer Cookout

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

It is summertime again! With higher temperatures and sunny days, homeowners are firing up the grill and cooking at home. In pursuit of taste and convenience, backyard grill masters will purchase a charcoal grill for flavor and/or a gas grill for convenience and functionality. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 64% of households own a gas grill, 44% own a charcoal grill, and 9% own an electric grill.

With more grills and more grilling, the frequency of grill-caused fires increases. From 2013-2017, grills caused an annual average of 10,200 home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Gas grills cause more home fires than charcoal grills.

Outdoor chefs can prevent fire damage this summer and fall by following these grilling safety tips.

1. Grill outside in a well-ventilated area away from the house or any other structures. 

Gas and charcoal grills are for outdoor use only. According to the NFPA, 27% of residential fires caused by outdoor grills began in a terrace, courtyard, or patio, and 29% of residential fires caused by outdoor grills were ignited on an exterior balcony or open porch.

Pay close attention to surroundings, overhanging tree branches, and other shrubbery when setting up a grill. Catching a neighbor’s home on fire or starting a wildfire could be very costly.

1. Ensure the cleanliness and stability of the grill. A clean grill is a safe grill. Remove grease from both the grill and tray below the grill. When using a charcoal grill, allow coals to completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.

Set up the grill on a flat, stable surface where it cannot be overturned. Use a grill pad or splatter mat underneath the grill to protect the deck or patio.

1.  If using a gas grill, before the first use of the season, inspect the propane tank and tank hose for leaks. Apply soapy water to the hose and then turn on the gas. Bubbles indicate a leak.  A flame that will not light or gas smells may be indications of a leak.

1. If the flame goes out, do not re-light immediately. Turn the grill and the gas off. Wait for a minimum of five minutes. Re-ignite the grill.

1. Be careful, especially close to the grill. Never leave a lit grill unattended. Prevent children and  pets from playing near the grill. After using a grill, allow it to cool for at least one hour prior to moving it. 
2. Exercise caution when applying charcoal starter fluid. Only use charcoal starter fluid since it resists flare-ups. If the flame begins to die down, do not apply more starter fluid. Never use flammable liquids such as gasoline to start charcoal on a grill. Do not use an aerosol spray as a torch to start or restart the pile of briquettes. A charcoal chimney starter is very safe and uses newspaper to start the fire instead of starter fluid.

1. Wear fire-safe clothing when around a grill or other source of an open fire. 

Clothing can easily ignite. Make sure sleeves, shirttails, and apron strings are not exposed to the open flame of the grill.

Conclusion

Backyard grilling creates memories with friends and family that are not soon forgotten. Keep safety in mind and always have the means to extinguish the grill or a fire caused by the grill nearby. A bucket of sand, a water hose, and a fire extinguisher are recommended to have nearby in case of fire. Remember, a grease fire is neutralized by baking soda, not water. Never use water on a grease fire.

These easy-to-follow tips will keep everyone safe when grilling out. SERVPRO of Media and SERVPRO of Central Delaware County encourages everyone to enjoy the summer barbecuing season. Stay safe and stay healthy!

For more information about property damage restoration near Media, PA visit the SERVPRO of Media and SERVPRO of Central Delaware County website at https://www.SERVPROmedia.com/. Contact the office by phone at (610) 566-5720.