Summer in the Pacific Northwest means it’s time to bring the kitchen outdoors. There’s something special about celebrating family, friends and good weather around food that’s been cooked over a fire.
But revving up the barbecue or firepit requires a refresher of safety tips. Every year, backyard grilling causes fires and sends people to the emergency room. Here’s a few reminders for keeping your home and household safe from smoke, fires, or burns.
Location of grill – A grill should be placed at least 10 feet away from the home, preferably not against any railings, under eaves or branches, or near any other structures that could easily catch fire. All grills should be on a flat, even surface. Propane and charcoal grills should only ever be used outdoors.
Monitoring – Never leave a grill unattended, and only adults should be monitoring the grill. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
Check for leaks – Gas leaks can be very dangerous on a barbecue. To make sure there are none, check the connection points between the gas cylinder, hose, and grill. Also inspect the length of the hose carrying the gas to see if there are any cracks. Learn more about how to ensure there are no leaks from the National Fire Protection Association.
Properly clean – Cleaning the grill and grease trays regularly is critical so that grease doesn’t build up, which could act as fuel in a potential fire. A deep clean of your grill once a year will also be helpful to maintain its longevity. Learn more from Food & Wine about how to customize your cleaning approach based on the type of grill you have.
Fire extinguisher – Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case a cooking fire gets out of hand. Remember, fire extinguishers last 10-12 years, so make sure yours hasn’t expired this grilling season.
Gas grills – When lighting a gas grill, make sure that the lid is open, otherwise, gas could accumulate and lead to an explosion.
Charcoal grills – Charcoals remain very hot after use, so do not dispose of them until they’ve completely cooled, which could take hours. Additionally, keep items away from charcoal grills even after grilling is complete so that nothing catches fire from the still hot charcoal.
Questions about home insurance? Contact a Sea Mountain Insurance Specialist today!
