Grilling Safety

$37 million: the amount of damage caused annually by malfunctioning gas or charcoal grills according to the National Fire Protection Association. That number includes the damage caused by approximately 8,900 home fires as a result of grills every year. These preventable fires also result in hundreds of injuries and at least ten fatalities annually.

According to the same study, July is the peak month for grill fires followed by May, June, and August. Therefore this seems like a great time to review grilling safety as we head into the summer months and BBQ season.

No one ever plans to cause a house or deck fire but there are plans that you can make and actions you can take to keep your grill safe.

Keep the Grill Clean

At the start of each grilling season, do a complete and thorough cleaning of any grease or leftovers that may have attached to the grill’s interior. Do a complete cleaning of the outside as well, keeping in mind that your grill probably has a grease drip pan under the main grill area. We suggest cleaning in between each use as well to make sure grease does not build up.

Place the Grill in a Safe Location

When setting up your grill, be sure to situate it away from structures such as your home, garage, or sheds. Never use a grill indoors, on a balcony, or inside your garage. Pay attention to overhanging branches that could catch fire and spread rapidly. Be sure that the grill is on a level surface and away from leaves or yard debris that could also be fuel for a blaze.

Wear the Right Clothing

Be cognizant of what you are wearing while you grill. Be sure that shirt tails, apron strings, or even sweatshirt strings are away from the flames.

Never Leave a Grill Unattended

All it takes is a second for the grease to catch fire or a pet to tip the grill for a catastrophic fire to engulf your grill and/or your home. Never leave your grill unattended or let children play around it.

Be Prepared

It always helps to be ready for the worst. This means having baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand next to the grill. Never use water to put out a grease fire!

Summer wouldn’t be summer without backyard parties, BBQs and, of course, the grill. Just play it safe and follow our tips this summer Happy grilling!