As a homeowner, ensuring the safety of your family and property is paramount. Outdoor grilling is a popular and enjoyable activity, but it comes with its own set of risks. By following these safety tips, you can minimize the potential hazards and enjoy a worry-free grilling season.
Setting Up Your Grill
- Position the Grill Safely: Ensure your grill is placed at least 10 feet away from your home or any other structures. Avoid setting it up just outside your back door or against a deck railing to prevent potential fire hazards.
- Choose a Stable Surface: Place your grill on a flat, level surface like a concrete pad. Avoid slopes or uneven ground to prevent the grill from tipping over and causing a fire.
Before Lighting the Grill
- Inspect for Leaks: If your grill has been stored during the winter, check the gas lines for leaks before the first use of the season. Gas leaks can cause propane or natural gas to build up inside the grill, posing a danger when the lid is closed. Always open the lid before lighting the grill.
During Use
- Stay Attentive: Never leave your grill unattended while cooking. High heat and open flames can quickly turn into a safety hazard if not monitored. If you need to step away, ask another adult to watch the grill.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear clothing that won’t interfere with cooking. Avoid long sleeves or dangling pieces that can catch fire easily. Tie back apron strings and loose clothing. In case of a fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll.
- Keep Safety Tools Nearby:
- Have a spray bottle filled with water to manage flare-ups caused by fat dripping from meat. This can prevent small flames from spreading and creating excess smoke.
- Always have a fire extinguisher or EZ Fire Spray within reach to quickly extinguish any unexpected fires.
- Have a spray bottle filled with water to manage flare-ups caused by fat dripping from meat. This can prevent small flames from spreading and creating excess smoke.
After Use
- Clean Your Grill: After each use, clean the grill plates and empty the grease tray to prevent grease buildup, which can act as fuel for fires during future use.
- Shut Off and Cool Down: Ensure the gas grill is shut off and has cooled down completely before covering it. Store cylinders outdoors in an upright position with relief valves in direct contact with the vapor space.
Additional Safety Tips
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and store instructions in an easily accessible place.
- Proper Cylinder Handling:
- When transporting propane cylinders, take them home immediately, keep your vehicle ventilated, and ensure the cylinder valve is closed and capped.
- Cover disconnected hose end fittings and burner air intakes with small plastic bags or protective fitting caps to prevent dirt, insects, or moisture from entering.
- When transporting propane cylinders, take them home immediately, keep your vehicle ventilated, and ensure the cylinder valve is closed and capped.
- No Smoking: Do not smoke while handling the propane cylinder.
- Child Safety: Keep children away from the propane cylinder and the grill to prevent accidents.
- Proper Storage: Do not store propane cylinders in high-temperature areas, including under the grill. Ensure spares are stored safely.
By following these outdoor grilling safety tips, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable grilling season all summer long!
Sources:
https://www.firstalert.com/ca/en/safety-corner/grilling-safety-tips
https://www.thebbqdepot.com/blog/gas-grill-dos-and-do-nots-grilling-safety-tips/