When the warm weather hits during the summer months, nothing compares to the joy of grilling barbecue with your family or friends in your yard. According to the survey conducted by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) in 2020, around 61 percent of Americans own a gas grill, 10 percent own an electric grill, and 49 percent own a charcoal grill.
This explains the 2014 – 2018 data obtained by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), saying that gas grills caused an average of 8,900 home fires per year. It’s so much higher than the 1,300 cases of home fires yearly caused by charcoal or other solid-fueled grills.
This summer season, the last thing you want to happen is your house being burned down by a grill. Whatever type of grill you own, learn how to safeguard your home and family from fires by following these grill safety tips:
1. Use Grills Outside Only
Sometimes it’s tempting to set up your barbecue grill inside your open garage or under a covered terrace to enjoy the moment while protecting yourself from the heat of the sun. However, keep in mind that propane and gas or charcoal grills are designed for outdoor use with sufficient ventilation. Any combustible materials surrounding or near your grill while in use can easily and quickly catch fire. So, ensure that the area around and over the top of your grill is clear and unobstructed.
2. Check Your Grills for Leaks
Before using your grill, make sure to inspect it thoroughly, especially if you stored it for a long time during the winter season. Check the gas lines to see if they are leak-free, and remember always to open the lid of your barbecue grill before lighting. A leak in the gas lines may cause natural gas or propane to build up inside the grill when the cover is open.
3. Place the Grill Away from Home and on a Flat Surface
Some people often place their grills just outside their back door or against a railing. Avoid this practice since it poses a potential fire hazard, especially if your house is mostly made of wood. Generally, be sure to place your gill at least 10 feet away from your house or other structures.
Furthermore, check your grill if it’s placed on a flat, even surface. Otherwise, it can tip over easily and cause a fire. Also, your barbecue grill should be set up on a stable surface like a concrete pad so that it remains steady while you’re cooking.
4. Never Leave Your Barbecue Grill Unattended While Grilling
Make sure to ask another adult to watch the grill for you if you need to leave it for a while. As you know, barbecue grills use high heat and open flames for cooking food, so it can cause safety and fire hazards when left unattended.
5. Keep a Spray Bottle on Hand and a Fire Extinguisher Close By
It’s not unusual for grills to flare up when fat drips from the meat while cooking. This can cause some grill portions to remain on fire as it burns away and will continue burning if left alone. This can cause excess smoke to flow out from under the grill’s lid. To avoid risks, it’s always best to keep a spray bottle filled with water beside your grill so that you can quickly extinguish small flames before they spread. If possible, ensure you have a fire extinguisher within reach in case a fire breaks out.
6. Always Clean Your Barbecue Grill Every After Use
If you use your grill regularly, it causes oil to build up on the grill’s plates and collect inside the grease tray. If left uncleaned, the buildup can act as fuel and cause a fire while the grill is used. Always clean your charcoal or gas grill after each use with a grill brush while emptying the grease tray every time it begins to fill up.
Keep in Mind
If you find yourself faced with a fire and it’s out of control, call your local emergency phone number right away, and make sure that all members of your family or friends are away from the fire.
After the fire is extinguished, you have to act quickly to prevent further damage to your property. In this case, you need the help of fire and smoke damage restoration experts. But make no mistake and make sure that the company you choose is open 24/7 since you never know when it happens.
