Safety Tips for Summertime Grilling | SERVPRO® of South Nashville

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

A fun way to spend the summer with friends is grilling outside. But sometimes those backyard barbecues can get out of hand if you’re not careful. In fact, according to the US Fire Administration, barbecue fires cause over $27 million in property damage severely injure about 6,500 people each year.

We have outlined tips and tricks of the grilling pro’s so that the next time your firing up the grill you’ll know exactly what to do to ensure a safe and fun meal.

First of all, make sure your grill isn’t leaking gas. An easy way to check is to make a soapy solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rub it on the hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on with the grill lid open. If the soap forms large bubbles, that's a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.

Secondly, keep your grill away from your home and give yourself plenty of space. Fire could flare up into the structure above so grills should not be used underneath any type of roof like a garage, carport or porch. Also, make sure outdoor decorations like hanging plants or baskets, outdoor furniture and umbrellas are not within 10 feet of your grill.  Most of these items are made of artificial fibers that burn fast and hot. This simple rule is an important one.

Third, make it habit to clean your grill after each use, especially if cooking fatty meats. Grease is a major source of flare ups. And as grease and fat to build up on your grill provide ample opportunity for your fire to get out of hand. Also, don’t overfill your grill with food. The basic reason for this tip is that if too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up that could light nearby things on fire, like your clothing.

Another good rule to put on your grilling checklist is to keep a spray bottle full of water close by. That way you can instantly eliminate any minor flare-up by simply spraying it with water. However, a spray bottle doesn’t override the necessity of have a fire extinguisher. Keep a fire extinguisher next to your grill. Firefighters say many fire deaths occur when people try to fight a fire themselves instead of calling for help. Practice using a fire extinguisher and show your spouse, children or any other people living in the home how to use it. This is an important knowledge for indoor fires, as well, and could save lives.

These simple grilling tips are for you and your loved ones safety that way you can enjoy your summertime barbecues.

If a fire has resulted in damage to your home or business, know that the team at SERVPRO® of South Nashville is available ²⁴⁄₇ to help with cleanup and restoration