BBQ Safety!
Hooray, warm weather is upon us! And with that, many people are pulling out their grills and firing up their barbecues. I can already smell that freshly grilled burger, and it is making my mouth water in anticipation. Whether your choice is veggie kababs or hot-off-the-grill burgers, barbequed food delights are aplenty. Before you jump on the bandwagon, now is a great time to review some safety tips to make sure everything is ready for you to enjoy the delicious grilling.
- Use your propane or charcoal grill outside only and at an appropriate distance from your home or other building structures, including deck railings and overhanging tree branches. The farther away you are from the buildings, the better off you will be.
- Inspect your grill for leaks or other signs of wear and tear that would need to be fixed prior to use.
- Make sure your grill is clean before use. Better yet, clean it after use once it has had time to cool by removing leftover grease or fat buildup.
- Grill only on a flat surface to avoid potential tipping.
- Open your gas grill lid before lighting it.
- On a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. Do not use other flammable liquids. If your grill is electric, use an extension cord outside.
- Keep vulnerable loved ones at least three feet away from the grilling area, including small children and pets.
- At all times your grill must be attended by a responsible person when in use.
- When finished, let your coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
- Have a fire extinguisher, bucket of sand, or baking soda nearby in case of fire. Do not use water to put out a grease fire.
Summertime is peak season for grill fires, including both structure and outdoor fires. The largest number of outbreaks happen in the months of May through August. Grillers themselves, along with bystanders and children under five account for an average of 39% of annual contact-type burns from grilling activities. Protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your property from grilling accidents will go a long way to help you experience an excellent time at the barbeque.
Also, making sure you are properly insured will give you peace of mind when accidents do happen. To find out if you have the proper insurance you need or for any insurance inquiries, contact your agent today.
References:
https://blog.nationwide.com/grill-safety/
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/ten-tips-safe-summer-barbecues-learn-dos-donts/story?id=13918382