Barbecue safety tips for National Grilling Month
Learn how to be safe this grilling season
This blog is not going to quibble over the differences between grilling and barbequing because I love to cook, using each method. Whether smoking chicken thighs as I did last Saturday to the hotdogs, burgers and corn I grilled on Monday the method does not matter!
However, before you start cooking be aware accidents can –and do -happen! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on average for the years 2014-2018 more than 10,000 home fires were caused by grills, hibachis or barbecues with an average of 4,900 structure fires and almost $150,000,000 in direct property damage occurring as a result.
Ensure your grill is in proper working order, if you are using a gas or propane grill check the following:
Supply line and regulator have no leaks
Supply line/hose is touching the grill
Check grill hoses for cracks, holes and brittleness
Check the Venturi tube for blocks. Spiders love to set up camp in my grill
For both gas and charcoal grills ensure the bottom assembly is not rusted and there are no holes.
It may not be a bad idea to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website to see if your grill has had a recall, https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls.
Now you’re ready to fire up the grill;
Make sure the grill is on a level surface away from the house or garage-Never grill indoors!
Don’t move the grill once it is lit
When using an accelerant on a charcoal grill only use one designed for grilling and don’t use more than needed. If using a gas/propane grill open the lid before lighting with the auto starter.
Have a fire extinguisher or water available just in case.
Last but not least after enjoying a great meal you have a few more things to do to make sure your barbeque/grilling experience was great. If using a gas grill close the valve and once the grill has cooled down put the cover back on to protect the grill from the elements. If using a charcoal grill make sure the briquettes or lump charcoal are fully cooled before they are disposed of. The charcoal can be placed in a metal container and soaked in water before it is thrown out.
Insurance and grilling are two things I’m passionate about. To learn more about your homeowner’s insurance or a few grilling tips call me or another Trusted Choice Agent at Richey-Barrett Insurance.
Leave a Reply