Steak. Fish. Chicken. Shrimp. Peppers and sausages—what do you like to grill? Enjoying grilling with friends and family is something we all can appreciate. While we enjoy these moments with our loved ones, it’s important to take certain safety measures:
- Whether you have a portable grill or one that is built-in on your patio, it’s important that your grill is stationed at least 10 feet away from any structures. Flames have a tendency to flare up on occasion, so your grill should never be placed under wooden overhangs. This rule applies to both gas and charcoal grills. Plants and other forms of vegetation should be a safe distance away from your grill.
- Make it a habit to clean your grill regularly. It is possible for grease and fat to build up to a substantial amount if you avoid cleaning your grill routinely. And since grease tends to be a major source of flames flaring up, a fun social event can quickly turn to disaster if you’re not careful.
- Be certain that your grill is stable.
- Check for any gas leaks. In order to safely check your grill for gas leaks, formulate a solution consisting of half liquid dish soap and half water. Rub it on the hoses and connections. Once you complete this step, turn the gas on (with the lid of your grill open). If you see large bubbles forming, you may have a leak. This is because the hoses may have holes or the connections may not be secured tightly enough.
- Setting up your grill on a flat surface is essential. You don’t want any chance of your grill tipping over.
- Any decorations should be placed far away from your grill. Items such as hanging baskets, pillows, or umbrellas may be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but they also provide fuel for a potential fire. Furthermore, a lot of what you can buy in stores today is made from artificial fibers that tend to burn fast and hot.
- Keep a spray bottle of water nearby at all times. In the event of a flare-up, water can instantly tame the flames of the fire. Even more important is the water will not affect your food in any negative way. All of the time and money you’ve invested in preparing your meal will not go to waste!
- Keep a fire extinguisher close by. Having a fire extinguisher close to you while grill is a good idea. But, even more so is knowing how to properly use it. If a fire does break out and you do not know how to use it safely, dial 911 immediately. It’s better to be safe than to suffer bodily injuries.
- Never leave your grill unattended. Fires can expand more rapidly than you might think. Preparation and planning ahead is an essential part of grilling safely. You want to minimize distractions as best you can, so you can focus on cooking for your food.
- Never pour lighter fluid on a gas grill. This should really go without saying, but any fluids that contain chemicals that mix with gas have the potential to create an enormous, uncontainable disaster!
- Grills should never be used indoors. Grills release carbon monoxide into the air which is a potentially lethal, odorless, and colorless gas. It needs to have the ability to vent in fresh air. It has the ability to kill you, your family members, or your pets. We don’t want any tragedies to occur,
- When you are finished using your grill, make sure to completely close the valve of your gas grill.