Whether you keep your grill going all year, or just use it during the summer months, grilling can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Unfortunately, where there is fire, there’s also the potential for danger. Staying safe while using your grill is critical. To help keep you and your family out of harm’s way, try following these guidelines.
Stay Outside, WAY Outside
While you may want to set up your grill in your garage or under a shelter, gas or charcoal grills have to be used in areas that offer plenty of ventilation. To be safe, you need to move your grill at least 10 feet from your home or from any combustible materials. Avoid placing your grill on any uneven surfaces to prevent tipping over.
Gas Can Leak
Gas grills account for 4 out of 5 grill fire accidents. It’s important for you to check the hoses and couplings on your gas grill regularly. An easy way to do it is to spray hoses and fittings with a mixture of dish soap and water. If you see any bubbles coming out, something may need to be repaired, tightened, or replaced.
Don’t Squirt It
When cooking with a charcoal grill, you’ll probably want to use a starter fluid, but ONLY use starter fluid specifically designed for that purpose. And NEVER spray lighter fluid after the coals or kindling have been ignited.
Keep a Spray Bottle Handy
It’s common for grills to flare up as fat drips from the food, and this can cause sections of the grill to remain on fire as the fat drips onto the fire. A spray bottle can help you put out these types of fires until the fat burns off.
Clean It Up
Barbequing regularly causes grease to build up on the grates and inside the grease tray. This build up can catch fire, so always be sure to clean the grill as quickly as possible after cooking.
Fire Extinguisher
It’s important to keep a fire extinguisher close by. In the event of a sudden flash of fire, a quick response with a fire extinguisher can prevent the fire from spreading.
Stick With It
NEVER leave your grill unattended unless you have confirmed that the fire is completely out.
Tri-County Hearth & Patio is a family-owned and operated business located on Old Washington Road in Waldorf, Maryland, and has been serving the area for over 30 years. We offer our customers the largest selection of patio furniture, fireplaces, inserts, stoves, BBQ grills, and outdoor accessories in all of Southern Maryland. Plus, all of our sales and service professionals are proficient in all things patio and hearth. Visit our website or contact us now for more information, or if you’re ready to optimize the enjoyment of your home, give us a call at 301-843-1771.