Blog

Summer is almost here! It’s that time again for yummy hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill.

Many of us will enjoy a weekend in the backyard, which can only get better with the relaxing atmosphere of being the master of the grill, producing mouthwatering masterpieces for friends and family.

Using the grill is exciting and fun, but there are some things that should be considered in order to keep it safe as well. Through the use of some simple precautionary steps, grilling will be relaxing, exciting and rewarding all summer long.

1. Keep It Clean

One step that some overlook when using their grill is to clean it. Keeping the grill free from debris, old coals, as well as dirty racks. This is a way to ensure that the food cooked on the grill is delicious and safe to eat.

Another aspect that needs to be paid attention to is the temperature of the grill. While a hot rack may be easier to clean, it can also cause some serious burns and injuries.

2. Keep It Outside

Grills are designed for outdoor use, only. Never barbecue in your trailer, tent, house, garage, or any enclosed area because carbon monoxide may accumulate and kill you. Grilling indoors can cause dangerous fumes and emissions to build up in the indoor space. These fumes can make it dangerous to breath and cause respiratory issues.

In order to make sure that you and your guests and family are safe, keep your grilling activities to the outdoors.  There is never a safe way to move a grill into an indoor space. When attempting to use an outdoor grill indoors, injury to self and others, as well as severe damage and loss to the indoor area can occur.

3. Keep Your Distance

Even in the outdoors, the grill needs to be kept a sufficient distance from deck railings, and the side of the home. The heat from the grill can melt the siding of a house or worst it could catch fire. Set up your grill in an open area that is away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves, or brush.

Be sure to avoid high traffic areas so that the grill is not in a general walk way where children or pets could get hurt or burned. Use barbecue utensils with long handles (forks, tongs, etc.) to avoid self-harm such as burns and splatters.

4. Keep It Functional

If the grill uses propane or natural gas check it thoroughly before firing up the grill. Leaking hoses and machinery can cause an explosion and serious harm. If any leaks are detected, make sure that they are completely fixed before using the grill. If the hose seams clogged or not working check for spiders that could have made it home over the winter.

When finished grilling, make sure that the fire is entirely extinguished. Never leave a burning grill unattended. Do not attempt to move the grill when it is hot or cover it. Always allow it to cool down so that it is safe to touch and children and animals will not get hurt from it. Never leave a grill unattended once lit to insure the safety of others.