Do you smell that? It smells like the best barbecue around, the kind that’s grilled safely. While everyone loves a good backyard barbecue in the summer, not everyone knows the proper techniques or best practices to keep the experience safe (and tasty!) for everyone.
We’ve gathered up some of the most important things to keep in mind this summer when breaking out your grill, whether it’s for a Sunday night family dinner, a big backyard bash or while camping in the woods.
- Check the gas tank on propane grills for leaks before use. Inspect hoses for holes, cracks, brittleness and blockages. Replace the hose if needed.
- Clean grease and fat from the grills and trays below the grill.
- Never grill indoors or in an enclosed space. Place the grill away from the sides of your house and deck railings. Do not set up the grill under a tree or an awning.
- Do not wear loose clothing while grilling. To prevent burns, wear long oven mitts and a heavy apron.
- Use long grilling tools with long handles to keep your hands as far away from the flames as possible.
- Position the grill before lighting/starting the grill. Do not move the grill after it has been lit.
- When lighting a gas grill, ensure the grill lid is open beforehand.
- When charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid; never other flammable liquids.
- Once the fire has started, do not add more lighter fluid.
- If using a charcoal chimney to light your charcoal, use long matches to avoid burns.
- Keep the area around the grill free of children and pets, at least three feet.
- Do not leave the grill unattended while in use.
- Always have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. Never use water or flour on a grill fire.
- When done grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container. Use water to soak the coals before disposing.
- Once finished, wait for the grill to cool completely before covering or putting it away.
- If you smell gas while the grill is not lit, turn off the grill and propane tank.
- If you smell gas while the grill is lit or while cooking, move away from the grill and keep everyone a safe distance away, then call the fire department.
Barbeque always tastes better when prepared safely. Keep these safety best practices in mind the next time you go to fire up your grill this summer. A last line of defense for grilling accidents may be found in the form of homeowners' insurance depending on the circumstances. Call your local agent today to learn more about how your insurance policy can protect you from the risks of many potential household dangers.