4 Tips for Grill Safety This Summer

Everyone loves grilling out in the summertime, but flare-ups and accidents can harm people and property. In order to keep your cookout safe, take precautions when firing up the grill. Check out these grill safety tips.

Grill Away From the House and Other Structures

Set up your gas or charcoal grill at least 10 feet away from your house, including additions like porches, garages, and carports. Don’t place your grill under an area that has overhangs like branches or awnings.

Some people think that it’s safe to use a small grill indoors, however, grills release carbon monoxide that is deadly to breathe and they are also a fire hazard. A grill should only be used outdoors with plenty of air circulating.  Make sure that the grill is not wobbly and is placed on a stable, flat surface to prevent it from tipping over.

Clean the Grill for Grill Safety

Keeping your grill clean is not only important for sanitary food but is also a grill safety precaution. Cleaning your grill after each use eliminates the buildup of grease and fat. Such buildup can cause flare-ups during grilling.

Prepare for Grilling

First, check for a gas leak or loose connections by applying a mixture of water and soap on hoses and connections. If bubbles form when the gas is turned on, it means there are holes on the hoses, and/or the connections are not tight enough. Do not use the grill until it’s fixed. To be prepared for a possible flare-up, keep baking soda or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Other Grill Safety Tips

Do not overload your grill with food, particularly fatty meats. Too much grease or fat dripping can ignite and start a fire. Never leave a lit grill unattended. Fires can double in size within a minute. Check the weather before your cookout and don’t grill in windy weather. Wind stokes the flames and can make grill fires get out of control.

If you follow precautions while grilling out, you should have a great time with no incidents. Be smart when grilling and use these simple tips every time you fire up the grill.

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