It’s grilling season. Whether you’re grilling hotdogs, hamburgers, or veggies, there are plenty of ways to do it safely. Millions of people will be out on their patios or in their backyards grilling this summer, and while this is a great way to get family and friends together, it can also be a recipe for disaster if you don’t use caution. Here are some tips to make sure your grilling season is a safe one:
Make sure your grill is in good working condition. It shouldn’t have any holes, dents, cracks, or leaks in the hoses. Inspect where they enter the grill and the propane tank. Make sure they are well-sealed and tight, with no signs of damage. Check propane tanks for damage, including dents, leaks, or blocked tubes.
Your grill should also be cleaned to avoid a grease fire. Scrape excess food and scraps off with a wire brush, and discard anything that drops to the ground into the trash can. You don’t want to attract rodents or start grease fires on the ground.
Set your grill up on a surface that won’t catch fire, like a concrete patio, driveway, or pad. Remove all dry brush from the grilling area, within at least 10 feet, to avoid catching surrounding plants on fire. Never grill indoors or in an enclosed area. You also want to keep your grill several feet away from decks and siding that could catch fire.
Children should never play near the grill. You never know when a small grease fire could erupt, and the outside of the grill can be hot to the touch. Avoid burn injuries by making sure children stay away from the grilling area.
Don’t get distracted. Pay attention to the grill and don’t leave it unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case something goes wrong.
Protect yourself from burns. Make sure your grilling tools have extra-long handles and that you wear an apron to protect yourself from hot grease, and wear mitts when handling hot items. Have a couple of serving plates ready so you can easily transfer hot food from the grill to the plates.
Grilling is such a widely practiced activity that it’s hard to remember that injuries can occur. Every year, thousands of people suffer burn injuries from grilling and property is damaged because of fires started by grills. Use caution and your summer is more likely to be injury-free.