Fire Safety 101 for Grillers: Protect Your Home and Your Cookout

Grilling outdoors is a wonderful pastime for many, especially when summer days arrive. However, apart from enjoying some delicious food, it is crucial to not overlook the importance of fire safety. 

In this post, we’ll explore essential fire safety tips for grillers so you can protect your home, and your loved ones and continue enjoying your outdoor cooking time without risks.

Common Causes of Grill Fires

The most common causes of grill fires include improper fueling, grease buildup, and grill malfunction, which can lead to serious consequences like property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. 

Understanding the risks associated with grilling is the first step towards BBQ safety and ensuring a wonderful time outdoors.

• Regularly clean your grill to remove grease and food debris. The excess grease and debris evaporates and can ignite, causing a grease fire.
• Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from flammable materials such as trees, buildings, and patio furniture. 
• Use proper fueling techniques for charcoal grills and never add charcoal starter fluid to hot coals.
• Implement propane safety recommendations such as storing your cylinder away from flames, and in an open space.
• Check for gas leaks. An easy way to do this is by applying a soapy water solution to the gas hose and connections surrounding your gas grill. If you see any bubbles or foam forming, it’s an indication that gas is leaking.
• Supervise the grill at all times. Never leave it unattended while in use. 
• Keep children at least 3 feet away from the grill (and hot things in general).

Monitor Grill Temperature
Keep an eye on the temperature of your grill to prevent overheating and flare-ups. For gas grills, adjust the burner knobs to maintain the desired cooking temperature, and for charcoal grills, spread the coals evenly to create a consistent heat source.

Handle Food Safely

When handling food on the grill, use long-handled utensils to avoid burns and keep a safe distance from the heat source. Further, consider wearing appropriate clothing such as a long sleeve, an apron, and gloves. According to the NFPA, each year, approximately 9,500 people are burned from grill fires or hot grills.

Place Your Grill Properly

Apart from placing it away from flammable materials, make sure your grill is placed on a flat surface and remains stable. Only move your grill when you’re not cooking and no flame has been ignited, as it can lead to serious burns.

Summer Safety: What To Do During An Emergency?

Learning preventative patio safety measures is as important as knowing what to do during a real-life emergency. Being prepared is known to help reduce fear, anxiety, and hysteria, and can be the key to preventing further consequences. Here are some useful recommendations you can apply during an emergency:

• Keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires nearby and learn how to use it.
• Create a home safety plan specifically for fires, including escape routes and meeting points for family members. 
• Know when to call emergency services and provide accurate information about the situation (what started it, where is located in your home, your address, number of people present, etc).

Final Words

In this post, we talked about grill safety and great fire safety tips you should have in mind when preparing for a summer cookout. By understanding the risks associated with grilling, implementing preventive measures, and being prepared for emergencies, you can enjoy a safe and memorable experience.