As the weather warms and we head into summer, it’s time to grill! There are risks that come along with grilling, regardless of which type of grill you are using. Every year, 7,000 Americans are injured while using barbecue grills, usually due to user error. You can prevent grilling accidents, and homeowners insurance claims, by brushing up on these tips.
- Only use your grill outside and keep it at least 10 feet away from your house.
- The farther
you can keep your grill away from your house or other structure, the better. Avoid placing your grill under a wooden overhang, as a flare-up from the grill could cause it to catch fire. Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from the grill while you’re using it. - Clean your grill regularly and after each use to remove grease that can start a fire.Don’t let grease accumulate on your grill, as it can cause a fire. Also make sure to empty your grill’s grease trap regularly. And only light your gas grill with the lid open!
- Check for gas leaks.To check for gas leaks, make a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rub it on all of the hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on, making sure the grill lid is open. If you see large soap bubbles, it means that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough. If you smell gas, turn off your grill immediately.
- Keep plants and other decor away from your grill.Hanging baskets, throw pillows and umbrellas look pretty, but they can also provide fuel for a fire. And to make matters worse, modern patio fabrics are made from artificial fibers that burn fast and hot, so a fire could get out of control quickly.
- Keep a spray bottle of water near your grill.If you experience a minor flare-up, you can spray it with the water to calm it. Don’t worry about your food getting soggy; the grill is so hot that the water evaporates quickly, and a spray bottle doesn’t produce enough water to ruin your food.
- Keep a fire extinguisher near your grill.Learn how to use your fire extinguisher before you need it. If the fire gets too big or you have trouble with the extinguisher, call the fire department immediately. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to have someone call the fire department even if you know how to use your fire extinguisher so there’s no delay if you do need backup.
- Keep an eye on your grill. Don’t walk away from them when they are lit. If a flare-up happens, you want to be able to address it quickly.
you can keep your grill away from your house or other structure, the better. Avoid placing your grill under a wooden overhang, as a flare-up from the grill could cause it to catch fire. Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from the grill while you’re using it.According to the National Fire Prevention Association, fire departments respond to about 8,900 home fires caused by grilling each year. However, you can prevent grilling accidents by taking these simple precautions.
At Kamm Insurance Group, we love grilling and hearing about the fond memories that are created spending family time together. We are happy to be your local independent agent and take pride in your insurance coverage.
Source: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/grilling_fire_safety_flyer.pdf
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/ten-tips-safe-summer-barbecues-learn-dos-donts/story?id=13918382
https://www.lawleyinsurance.com/personal/12-grilling-safety-tips-now-that-summer-is-upon-us/
