Summer time and grilling out are synonymous. Whether it's hotdogs and hamburgers, or grilled corn and barbecue, the smell of food on the grill gets everyone's mouths watering. However, the National Fire Protection Association recorded nearly 9,000 home fires each year that involved grills. Here are some tips for safe grilling and responsible barbecuing behavior. 🍗🍔🌭
Grill outside only! This does not include a garage, a screened in porch, or even an overhang. Even with ventilation, the amount of heat, smoke, and combinations of Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide can be hazardous. This doesn't even take into account the actual flames and hot coals.
Never leave a grill unattended. A fire can double in size every minute, and if one breaks out on your deck, near your house, or on your porch, it could quickly get out of control and cause irreparable damage. If you have to step away, ask another responsible adult to keep watch.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill and any food preparation areas, as well as walkways where food (especially hot food) is being carried. Keep yard games a safe distance away as well so you don't have stray bean bags and whiffle balls landing on the grates.
Clean the grill regularly. Use a pumice stone or wooden grill scraper to remove carbon, grease and fat build up on the grates (we don't need to go into wire brushes and lawn darts..do we?). There are also several eco friendly spray cleaners and scouring brushes. Although cranking the heat up full blast can kill pathogens, bacteria, and fungus, it is best to clean a completely cool grill with a little elbow grease. As far as cleaning out ashes...Safely remove and dispose of ashes when they are completely cooled down. A brush dustpan can help. DO NOT DUMP HOT COALS INTO A TRASH CAN! If the grill is still hot, close all vents to extinguish the fire and wait for the grill to completely extinguish and cool down.
Choose a safe location. Keep your grill on a flat level surface at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, shed, or any other structures. Create a designated grilling space if you have to, but in all cases keep it clear of anything else.
If it's a gas grill, check for leaks. Make a habit every time you turn it on and every time you turn it off to check the hoses and all of the connections for potential damage or leaks. They can form slowly over time due to weather, water, salt air, or physical damage due to accidentally getting bumped or hit with metal objects.