Grilling with friends and family is a great way to celebrate Independence Day, but you want to make sure you and your loved ones stay safe! In this article, we have some important safety tips to help you keep everyone safe this summer.
Use grill outside and away from your home.
While using your grill under an open garage or covered deck or porch might sound appealing, all grills are designed only for outdoor use with plenty of ventilation. Anything near the grill, such as a covering or side of the house, can catch fire easier and faster than you think. You want to ensure your grill is at least 10 feet from your house or other structures and that the area above and around your grill is clear of anything that could catch fire.
Place grill on a flat, level surface.
When your grill is on a sloped surface, this can increase the risk of it falling over and catch fire. Ideally, you can set your grill on a level concrete surface like a patio, but if this isn’t available, make sure the ground it’s on is level and free of debris.
Check your grill for leaks.
A leak in your gas grill’s lines can cause natural gas to build up in the grill when the lid is closed, which is just a recipe for disaster. To prevent fires and major injuries, check your grill periodically, especially after it has been out of use for a while, to ensure there are no leaks that could lead to potential gas buildup.
Always clean your grill.
Not only is a clean grill better for your food’s flavor, it’s also safer. If you’re not cleaning your grill properly every time, grease can start to build up and lead to more flare ups and fires the next time you grill. Use a grill brush to clean your grill after every use and empty out the grease tray.
Never leave the grill unattended.
If you’re having a party, there can be a lot of things you need to get done, and it can be so tempting to step away from the grill for just a few minutes. This can create a major safety and fire hazard though, especially with children around, so it’s important to ask another responsible adult to keep an eye on the grill if you need to step away, even for just a few minutes.
Keep water and a fire extinguisher close by.
Flare ups can happen at the drop of a hat, even when you’re doing everything right. For small ones, a spray bottle of water near your grill can quickly extinguish them before they get out of hand. If a fire does break out, a fire extinguisher on hand can keep you and your loved ones safe and prevent any major property damage.
Invest in a worry-free grill.
Some grills can just make your life a little easier, like the Blaze Outdoor Island. This hassle free grilling option is sturdy, making tipping over and starting a fire less likely and provides ample storage for a spray bottle of water and fire extinguisher to be within reach at all times. Additionally, a pull out trash can makes clean up even easier, and it really will take your patio or grilling area to the next level for all your summer get-togethers.