Summer is upon us, and with more and more Ohioans getting the COVID-19 vaccine every day, that can only mean one thing– summer barbeques will be happening soon. While barbecuing in the backyard with a few friends and family members sounds like good, harmless fun, but grills are one of the leading causes of summer house fires and can get out of hand quickly if you don’t follow safe grilling practices. With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks to stay safe while grilling this summer.
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Only Grill Outdoors and Leave Yourself Plenty of Space: If your grill is labeled for outdoor use only, it should never be used inside. Gas and charcoal grills can be prone to flare-ups and spitting sparks, which could potentially burn your carpet and furniture, or worse, hurt someone. That being said, your grill should never be near anything flamible or anything that could be damaged by heat, even outside.
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Make Sure Your Grill is on a Stable Surface: It is best to use your grill on a flat surface, such as leveled concrete or pavers. This way, the grill is much less likely to fall over, saving you, your guests, and your food. If your grill must be in the grass, you may want to consider purchasing a grill mat in order to keep it more stable.
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Maintain Your Grill Safely: It is important to make sure you clean your grill after every use, including removing any buildup of grease or fat, which could light up unexpectedly. If using a gas grill, check the propane tank for any leaks before the first use of the season. This can be done by applying soap and water to the hose, turning on the gas, and searching for bubbles– if the solution bubbles, there is a propane leak that must be repaired.
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Never Leave Your Grill Unattended: If your grill is in use, it is important to remember that it is an active fire, meaning that it could be very unpredictable. You should also make sure to keep children and pets away from the grill– they likely won’t understand the danger of a grill and could cause accidents, such as knocking over the grill or accidentally tripping you while cooking on the grill.
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Always Grill Sober: It is important to be in a good state of mind when grilling. While beer and burgers go together like two peas in a pod, you should never be drinking while grilling, or even when you’re near the grill. Spilling alcoholic beverages on the grill could cause a flare-up, and if anything happens when your judgment is impaired, you won’t be prepared to put out a fire.
Even with all of these safety tips, we all know that accidents can happen no matter how careful we might be. If a grilling accident does occur, SERVPRO is here to help with the cleanup and restoration of your home and yard. Visit their Fire Restoration page for more information!