Practicing Grill Safety

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

For most people during the summer months, the grill is likely the source of the majority of your meals—and for good reason! There is nothing better than grilling your dinner and enjoying a family meal outside, but because it is such a regular activity, it can be one where people forget to take the proper safety precautions if they are not a habit.

Around 5,700 grill fires occur annually as reported by the U.S. Fire Administration, and they can be quite a costly occurrence to your patio and even to your home. Getting in the habit of always practicing fire safety when grilling is the best thing you can do to protect and enjoy yourself.

Get Into the Habit of Grilling Safely

Create a safe zone around your grill. Though walking out your back door and being at your grill sounds ideal, it can lead to a serious issue if a fire were to start. A grill flare-up can span several feet, so if your grill is near wood deck railing, vinyl siding or anything else flammable, it can start a fire immediately. Creating a safe zone of at least three feet around your grill at all times is recommended.

Clean your grill grates often. Food particles can build up on the grill over time, creating a prime opportunity for a grease fire to break out on your grates. It is important to get into good cleaning habits so food does not have the opportunity to stay stuck on the grill for long—just giving the grill a quick brush after each use should suffice.

Never leave the grill unattended. Though grills may feel safer to walk away from due to their lid, even with the lid closed, they can start a fire in an instant. Treat the grill just as you would your kitchen stove or a bonfire and never walk away from it once it is lit. You should also put a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach just in case a flame does begin to get out of hand.

Inspect the grill regularly. If you are using charcoal to grill, you will not have to worry about propane tanks and lines. However, on a gas grill, you should check your system carefully every time you use it. Leaks around your propane tank or worn hoses can become a huge fire hazard once a flame is introduced, so a quick inspection is advised.

If you have a grill fire do damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us any time, day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.