Summer is the sun-drenched season for relaxation and outdoor fun. One of the most iconic parts of summer is the smell of the grill. There’s nothing like cooking delicious meats and roasted vegetables outdoors on an open flame. Burgers and hot dogs, steaks and fish fillets, corn and baked potatoes, or a little of everything on a kebab: the grill is the perfect way to enjoy good weather, good food, and good company all together.
Whether your grill uses propane, charcoal, pellets, electricity, or some combination, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards as well as the rewards. Grilling safety is a must. With these tips, you can keep your home, your family, and yourself safe during the summer grilling season.
Clean the Grill – Before and After
A clean grill gives you superior control over flame and flavor. This is why it’s important to clean your grill both before and after every cooking session. Use heat and a wire brush to scrub away grease buildup that could start a grease fire over time.
Cleaning your grill after cooking ensures each meal doesn’t leave flammable residue. Cleaning before ensures your grill surface is clear of dirt, spiders, and other small outdoor risk factors. Don’t forget to use soapy water on the components between barbecue sessions.
Grill Placement for Fire Safety
Open flame cooking is delicious, but requires a certain amount of fire safety. Keep your grill outdoors with plenty of space away from the house and other features. Choose a flat surface far from anything that could melt or catch fire. Many homes have a concrete patio that is ideal for grilling.
Perfect Your Grilling Attire
What you wear while grilling is important for fire safety, as well. Choose short sleeves that won’t catch fire and accessories that won’t hang too close to the flames. Fortunately, your t-shirt, shorts, and Kiss the Cook apron are perfect for summer grilling.
Never Leave the Grill Unattended
If the flame is on, you should be nearby. While you don’t need your hand on a spatula at all times (sometimes you want to close the lid and let it smoke) you should always be close with an eye on the grill. You can chat with friends, join a casual game, and wander around the patio. But don’t forget that you are still manning the grill until the fire is out.
Be Ready to Control Small Fires
Any time you have an open flame, be prepared to handle small fires. A stray spark, a flare of burning grease, or any number of small mishaps could occur. Keep a spray bottle of water at the ready so you can handle small flames quickly. It’s also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher within reach just in case a real fire breaks out.
This can make the difference between a little flare-up and a disaster requiring the fire department.
Practice Fuel Safety
Know your fuel and manage your grill’s fuel supply safely.
If you have a gas grill, check for gas leaks regularly. Then be sure to keep the gas grill lid open for the entire time between turning on the grill and lighting it, to prevent the accidental buildup of flammable gas.
For charcoal grills, only use official charcoal starter fluid. Do not use any flammable liquids around the house. This ensures a small, safe, smoldering flame without a dangerous flare-up.
Safe and Delicious Summer Grilling
Summer is full of opportunities for fun and good food. Grilling safety ensures you can enjoy every minute of the sun-drenched season without accidents and worries. A safe summer is a fun summer. Here at Northeast Nebraska Insurance, we want to help you enjoy your summer to the fullest – the safe way. Contact one of our independent agents to make sure your home and summer plans are safe this summer.