*A note from The Insurance Centers: Happy first day of summer! With summer here, we wanted to make sure we shared some safety tips with you before you fired up your grill. Enjoy your summer!
You’ve probably already smelled it: that whiff of delicious dinners being prepared outside, on a grill. Barbecuing is a great way to enjoy warm weather, but it’s important to remember you’re dealing with glowing hot coals or tanks of propane gas. Whether you’re a first-time griller, switching cooking methods (charcoal to gas or vice versa) or an experienced grill-master, it’s a good idea to refresh with basic grill safety tips.
Before you cook
- Any grill – propane or charcoal – should only be used outside
- If last year’s drippings tray is caked with grease or fat buildup, consider replacing it. Keep the tray clean throughout the season by removing any grease or fat after each use.
- If you’re using a propane grill, carefully check the hoses to and from the gas tank and look for any cracks or holes. Tighten the hose if it’s loose.
- If you’re a charcoal griller who uses lighter fluid, only use lighter fluid design for grilling. Do not use gasoline or other flammable liquids
While you cook
- Once your grill is lit, let it heat up a bit before putting any food on. If there’s lingering residue from last time, the heat will burn it off
- If you smell gas, turn the grill off immediately
- Use long-handled utensils to avoid burning yourself
- Keep children away from the grill while it’s on
- You should be able to put the flames out at a moment’s notice, so it’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby
- This goes without saying, but never leave your grill unattended
After cooking
- Give the grill ample time to cool off before letting anyone near it. Even once the grill is turned off, it can still be quite hot
- When the grill has safely cooled, scrub the grates with a wire brush to remove any cooking residue
- If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the ashes to cool for at least 48 hours before disposing. When disposing, wrap the ashes in tin foil and place in a non-combustible container
Those are just basic grill safety tips. This is not meant to be a comprehensive grill safety guide. There are plenty more tips from the National Fire Protection Association and the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.
For more information on homeowners insurance, contact Karen Simon directly at (732) 832 - 7546.