According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), July is the leading month for grill fires. It’s time to review some safety tips to ensure you’re staying safe. Here are some good guidelines:
- Grill outside and away from any structures. Remember, grills are for outdoor use only, and you need to be mindful of overhanging tree branches, porticoes, and railings.
- Make sure your grill is stable.
- Keep your grill clean. Remove grease buildup from the grill, and be sure to allow charcoal and ash to cool completely before disposing of them.
- Check for propane leaks on your gas grill. Not sure how? Check this out.
- If the flame goes out, wait to re-light. A good rule of thumb is to turn the gas off and wait 5 minutes before attempting to re-light it.
- Take care around the grill, especially with children. Don’t allow kids or pets to play near the grill. Never try to move a lit or hot grill, and remember the grill will stay hot for at least an hour after use.
- Be careful with charcoal starter fluid. A chimney starter might take longer, but it is much safer.
- Wear the right stuff. “King of the Grill” aprons are very nice, especially if you just received it from your favorite daughter for Father’s Day. However, tuck in those strings, along with loose shirttails, sleeves, and your fancy lanyard that holds your instant-read thermometer.
- Be ready to put out any fire. Baking soda is handy to control grease fires and a fire extinguisher is a good idea too. A bucket of sand can be substituted as well. Just don’t use water on a grease fire. You’ll ruin your fancy apron!
Remember: keep you and your family safe this summer by following these simple guidelines. According to the NFPA, an average of 10,200 house fires are started each year by grills, so stay safe.
(Tips courtesy of Nationwide Insurance.)
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