Now that it’s summertime and the weather is nice, you are going to want to go outside and fire up the grill. But before you do, you need to make sure that you are taking all the necessary safety precautions. According to the NFPA, U.S fire departments responded to an average of 8,900 grill related fires per year between 2009 and 2013. These fires resulted in over $118 million in property damage. Even if you have the proper insurance, any damage to your house is something that no homeowner wants. Keep yourself and home safe by following these safety measures.
Before Grilling
- Placement: There is a lot that goes into placing your grill properly, more than you would think. One of the most important methods of placement would be keeping your grill outside. People believe that you can grill inside and be fine. However, there is a greater chance that you can start a fire inside. When placing your grill outside, keep it at least 10 feet away from your house and make sure it is not near your deck railings, if you are placing it on your deck.
- Inspection: Inspecting your grill before every use can help in avoiding some unwanted situations. Make sure that you check the hose from the propane tank for any leaks or tears. The NFPA reports that in 2014, leaks caused 11% of structure grill fires and 23% of outdoor grill fires. Use a leak detection solution to find leaks and other potential blockages in the gas line. Do not use matches or lighters to try and find leaks.
During Grilling
When grilling you should make safety your number one priority because you never know what may happen. One thing you can do to improve grilling safety is making sure you never leave your grill unattended, especially if you have kids that are running around. Another measure you can take is to keep a fire extinguisher handy, as well as a spray bottle. The spray bottle is to help mend the flames on the grill in case they get out of control. Lastly, make sure that you are not wearing any loose clothing that can catch on fire easily.
After Grilling
- Turning off the Grill: When you are done grilling, turning off your grill may seem easy, you turn the knobs on the grill off and then the propane tank, right? No, that is incorrect. The proper way to turn off a grill is by turning off the propane tank first, then turning the knobs on the grill. This way you cut the supply of the flame first.
- Cleaning: The final step after you are done grilling is to clean off any of the grease and or fat build up that may have happened. Similar to a restaurant, grease fires can happen, so scrubbing your cooking rack clean is always ideal. Another thing to check for is if any insects or bugs have crawled into the grill. You should also do this before you grill.
Keeping some of these grilling safety measures in mind, it’s now time for you to go outside and have a cookout with your friends and family. And while doing so, you can keep you and your guests safe from and potential accidents. Make sure your home is covered against any potential grilling fires. Contact TJ Woods Insurance today to see if your homeowner’s insurance policy is right for you.
