Safety Considerations to Prevent Grill Fires | SERVPRO® of Prattville

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

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When you want to spend a summer day outside, a freshly grilled meal is one of the best ways to make the most of it. Grilling is a great cooking method for nearly anything, but because it involves an open flame, we do always want to remind the community to take the proper safety measures every time it is time to cook outdoors.

Grill fires happen more frequently than many would assume according to reporting from the U.S. Fire Administration—close to 6,000 fires are a result of grilling incidents every year. However, many of these incidents are entirely preventable, so it is wise to know the top safety tips to remember.

The Top Grill Safety Tips to Remember

Create a safe zone around your grill. Having your grill located in a good spot involves placing it somewhere that is both convenient and safe. Because flare-ups spreading to other objects are a common cause of grilling fires, a three-foot buffer is recommended to have surrounding the grill that is free from flammable objects.

Clean your grill grates often. Your grilling grates can get dirty with every use, which is why it is best to brush them after each grilling session. Stuck on bits of food and grease not only make consistent grilling less achievable, but they also increase the risk of fires as they can suddenly ignite if temperatures rise hot enough.

Never leave the grill unattended. Catching a grill fire before it gets out of hand can be the difference in a small incident and a large emergency, so never walk away from the grill when it is lit. If you have to take a break, have someone swap in for you and always keep a fire extinguisher within arms’ reach.

Inspect the grill regularly. Grills can be subject to wear and tear with age, especially the propane connections and tubes. It is best to do a visual inspection before you get ready to light the grill so you are aware of any potential spots that could cause a gas leak, which could be quite dangerous.

If you have a grill fire that does damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us any time, day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.