King of the Grill: Safety Tips for Grilling Season

Throughout the U.S., grills are being fired up, reminding us that the summer is finally here. With the great weather, weekends will now be filled with grilling and spending time with family and friends. Of course, grilling and barbecuing can be quite fun and tasty, but there are certain precautions to take to ensure the safety of you, your family, and your home.

Each year, an average of 8,800 home fires are caused by grilling, and close to half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns. Did you know that 70 million dollars in personal property is lost annually due to grilling related accidents?

During National Safety Month, we hope you take the time to review the safety precautions below before you fire up the grill, so that you can enjoy a safe and fun grilling season.

General Grill Safety Tips

1. 1. Never grill indoors

1. 1. Make sure your grill is clean and the grill trays and grates are free from any grease or fat buildup

1. 1. Keep your grill a safe distance away from your home and flammable objects like deck railings, under eaves, and overhanging branches

1. 1. Keep pets and children at a safe distance from the grill (At least 3 feet)

1. 1. Never leave your grill unattended when it is on or when you are cooking

Gas Grill Safety Tips

1. 1. Check your propane tank for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose and check for bubbles

1. 1. The appearance of bubbles indicates a leak—so replace the tank or get it repaired immediately if you see bubbles

1. 1. Make sure your gas grill is clean, and that the flames are all the same color

1. 1. Never smoke near a gas grill

1. 1. If you smell gas while cooking, call the fire department immediately

Charcoal Grill Safety Tips

1. 1. If you use starter fluid, make sure you only use charcoal lighter fluid

1. 1. Never add the lighter fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire

1. 1. Coals release carbon dioxide as they burn: make sure to grill in an open, ventilated area

1. 1. When you’re finished, make sure to let the coals cool completely, before disposing them in a metal container

We hope that with these grill safety tips, you are now ready to enjoy grilling this summer safely! If you have any questions, or would like to update your home insurance policy, make sure to call us today at 860-589-3434!