Grill Safety Tips

5/3/2020 (Permalink)

Summer is synonymous with grilling and good times! We want to help you and your family keep the good times with some tips on how to stay safe while cooking over the grill. Nearly 60% of all grill fires happen between May and August. Grill related fire damage approximately 9,200 homes per year on average and when your house catches fire it will sustain four principal types of damage:

Fire Damage

Smoke Damage

Structural Damage

Water Damage

With this in mind, the experts have compiled the following grilling safety tips to help you avoid turning your family cookout into a summertime catastrophe.

Charcoal and Propane Grill Safety Tips:

Charcoal:

• When using lighter fluid or starter fluid, do not use other flammable liquids or objects. Charcoal starter fluid is specifically for this purpose.
• Keep charcoal starter fluid out of the reach of children and far away from any heat sources.

• You can dispense with the starter fluid by using a charcoal chimney starter. These allow you to start the charcoal with paper as the fuel.

• When using an electric charcoal starter, use an extension cord to get the proper distance from your home.
• Allow coals to cool completely before disposing of them and be sure to use a metal container.
• It’s a good idea to soak the coals with water. This may be a bit messy but it’s a fast way of cooling the coals before their disposal.

Propane (gas):

• Read the instructions carefully - every new gas grill should come with a set of instructions. Reading them will help you correctly operate the grill and get your food cooked right while keeping you safe.
• Be sure to keep an eye (and nose) out for gas leaks.
• Every season you should check all the gas lines for damage, wear, and leaks.
• Arrange the hose or hoses so they do not come in contact with the body of the grill.

Any type of grill:

• Clothing and Utensils - Wear clothing without hanging frills, strings, or shirttails that can catch fire. Long-handled utensils will help you keep a safe distance from the heat of the grill. Do not forget the mitts to handle hot objects and vents.
• All grills should be at a minimum of 3 feet from your home or any structure or object. You should never grill below awnings or extensions from the house.
• Never move or relocate a grill while it’s hot. It should be kept in place until the grill is completely cool.
• Never walk away from a grill. It should never be left unattended while lit.

As always, if disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Springfield, Sangamon, Morgan, Cass, and Montgomery counties is always here for you. We can be reached 24/7 at 217-528-7775.