Practicing Safe Habits When You Fire Up the Grill | SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Summer is in full swing, which means most of us are probably grilling our dinners as much as possible to take advantage of the warmer weather. While grilling is one of the best summer pastimes, it is important to remember that there is a certain level of risk every time you light it. 

By practicing safe grilling habits, you can be certain that you are not inadvertently creating a high fire risk in your backyard. 

Practicing Fire Safety When Grilling 

Set Your Grill Up in the Right Area If you have not considered the location of your grill in a while, it is important to make sure it is in a safe spot. Set your grill up on level ground, away from any buildings, overhangs or flammable objects. It is recommended by the U.S. Fire Administration that you create a three-foot “safe zone” around your grill any time it is in use. While the main concern here is fire, gas grills in an area that is not well-ventilated can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide in the area. The heat from a grill can also melt vinyl siding and ignite deck materials if conditions are right. 

Never Leave the Grill Unattended (Even if You Are Done Cooking) 

While you should certainly never walk away from a lit grill, even for a moment, you also likely assume you are safe to walk away as soon as the flames are out. However, until a grill is completely cooled off, it can be a fire hazard, especially for charcoal grills. Hot embers can hide within the coals and spontaneously ignite if there is still heat circulating. 

Clean and Inspect Your Grill Often Cleaning your grill is key for tastier food and more efficient cooking, but it also is much safer to grill on a clean surface, too. Food residue that builds up on the grates over time can combust eventually, creating a fire scenario that can quickly get out of hand. It is also a good idea to frequently check your gas line if you are using a gas grill—the connection to the propane tank can wear out over time and cause leaks that could be hazardous. 

Fires can be started by a variety of things, but regardless of the origin, we are here to help. Contact us at any hour for a rapid response for fire restoration.