When the weather gets warmer, it’s always fun to gather with friends and family for an outdoor cookout. After all, nothing spells spring or summer like the smell of burgers, steaks, hot dogs, and chopped veggies fresh off the grill – until something starts burning, that is.
While gas and charcoal grills are an easy way to cook up large amounts of delicious food, they can also pose a fire danger to your property and family. By following a few simple BBQ safety tips, you can prevent injury while keeping your home and surrounding property safe. Learn the most important grill safety tips from us, the experts, to keep your property out of harm’s way the next time you smoke, sizzle, or sauté outside.
Practice Good Grilling Habits
Whatever kind of grill you use, there are a few simple things you can do to reduce your risk of fire or injury. Here are some basic grilling safety tips to follow:
- Set your grill up a safe distance away from structures and overhangs, including your main building, shed, garage, trees, and other potentially flammable objects.
- Never use your grill inside, in a tent, or under an outdoor awning or carport. Doing so can pose a serious fire hazard and potentially cause carbon monoxide poisoning if you’re using a gas grill.
- Light your gas or charcoal grill using special long-length lighters or long matches to avoid getting burned. Keep all ignition sources out of the reach of children.
- Never leave an actively burning grill unattended, and let your grill fully cool before you cover or store it.
- Clean your grill thoroughly and often to reduce flammable buildup inside.
Be Aware of Proper Charcoal Grill Safety
Many people swear by the taste of food cooked on a classic charcoal grill. This popular way of cooking is fun, but it also poses unique fire risks of its own. Keep these important BBQ safety tips in mind if you own or use a charcoal grill:
- Only add enough charcoal to cover the bottom of the grill. Don’t pile too much inside since it could cause ashes and sparks to become airborne, possibly catching nearby objects or even your home on fire.
- Store extra charcoal in a secure place away from other potential fire hazards, and preferably in an airtight metal container.
- Only use starter fluid specifically designed for charcoal. Apply it to cold coals only, and don’t add extra fluid once the grill is lit. Otherwise, the flames could get too high, resulting in possible burns or an uncontained fire.
- Empty your used ashes only when they have fully cooled. Never store or dispose of them in a garbage can or leave them on a deck. Even when cooled, ashes can still cause a fire. It’s best to dump them on garden soil or contain them in a metal receptacle for proper disposal.
Gas Grilling Safety Tips to Help You Grill Wisely
Gas grills are convenient and easy to use and require less refueling than charcoal grills. But gas grills are also susceptible to fire risks, so it’s important to be aware of how to properly operate your gas grill. Remember these safety tips if you own a gas grill:
- Open the lid before lighting the grill. This allows oxygen to escape and reduces the risk of fire or even explosion.
- Check your grill’s gas line and tank fittings regularly for leaks. You can do this by brushing soapy water around these areas. If you see bubbles emerge, there could be a leak somewhere. Replace any damaged/leaking parts and make any other needed repairs before using the grill.
- If you have spare gas cylinders, never store them under a stairway or the eaves of your home. Place them upright and outside, away from any structures to minimize fire risks.
- Turn off your grill using the controls first, then close off the gas line at the tank. This helps to ensure any excess gas can escape safely.
If you happen to experience a fire during BBQ season, we are always available to help. We hope you never need to make that call but if you do, we’re available 24/7/365 to assist you. Read about our professional fire restoration services, or contact us to learn more.
