Make Backyard Grilling Safer for All With These 7 Precautions
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By PAGE Editor
Backyard grilling is a true sign of summer. There’s nothing like cooking outdoors, surrounded by friends, and eating favorite foods whose charred taste takes you back to your childhood.
However, backyard grilling isn’t always fun and games. FEMA estimates that each year, there are about 6,500 grill fires in the United States. Most only result in property damage, but hundreds of people get injured while firing up the grill each year.
Make sure that your backyard BBQ doesn’t turn into a cautionary tale by taking these precautions to make backyard grilling safer.
Make Sure the Grill Is Well Maintained
Before you start up your grill, double-check to make sure that it was properly maintained. If you’re preparing the first barbecue of the season, go over the grill before you fire it up for the first time and check for any damage that could have occurred during the off-season.
Most of the time, injuries happen due to poorly maintained grills. If your grilling burn injury occurs on a faulty grill or on someone else’s property, you may be eligible for compensation. Double-check any grill you don’t know before you pull out the lighter fluid, because when you weren’t the one maintaining the grill, the risk of injury is higher.
If you’re using someone else’s grill, such as a public park grill, make sure you check it before you turn it on.
Check for Gas Leaks
One of the most common problems that affects gas grills during the off-season is damage to the propane tank. If you use gas to power your grill, make sure that there are no leaks before you light the fire. Check the tank and tube for any damage, such as cracks or gaps, that could cause dangerous conflagrations when you start the lighter.
Clean the Grill
Regular maintenance of the grill can prevent potential burns. According to the NFPA, an estimated 20% of grill fires are caused by grills that weren’t cleaned. Build-ups of grease, dirt, and residue create a flammable deposit that can go up in flames with just one stray spark.
Thoroughly clean your grill at the beginning and end of the grilling season. Do smaller wipe-downs after each use, making sure to clean up any grease splatters. A wire brush is the best tool to clean up pesky residue.
Position Your Grill Properly
Where you position your grill can go a long way towards preventing damage and injury if a fire occurs. The safest place for your grill is in an open area with no nearby structures. Avoid any overhanging eaves, tree branches, or decking.
Keeping your grill in a clear area means that even if a fire does start, it won’t spread to your house or to other trees in your yard.
Stay Alert While Grilling
Your behavior during your barbecue can help you prevent injuries and fires. Make sure that you are alert and engaged the entire time that the grill is on. Have someone attending the grill at all times. If you are in charge of the grill, make sure that you don’t wander off and leave the fire unattended.
Avoid things that will distract you, such as being on your phone or drinking too much alcohol.
Prevent Crowding Around the Grill
If you’re in charge of grilling, make sure other people are following safety procedures as well. Everyone likes to watch the grill, but crowding around the grill is how people get careless and how accidents happen. Pay particular attention to small kids and pets, who are more likely to upset the grill or get injured if others around them aren’t careful.
Have Safety Tools on Hand
Despite your best precautions, fires can happen. Make sure that as you’re grilling, you have tools on hand to take care of an emergency. A spray bottle of water within arm’s distance can help you address flames before they turn into a full fire. For bigger fires, have a fire extinguisher close by.
Enjoy Your Grill Time with These Safety Precautions
Make sure that your summer is all fun with no unexpected trips to the ER by taking the right precautions when you start up your grill. Before the grilling season even starts, give your grill a check to make sure everything is in working order. Double-check that the model wasn’t recalled, and inspect the fuel tank and grill for any damage. Thoroughly clean any residue.
Each time you turn on the grill, make sure that you position it in a safe place. While you are grilling, have fire safety implements on hand and keep others away from the grill, especially kids and pets. With some basic preparation, you can enjoy your summer grilling season without any burns or accidents.
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