Grilling safety tips for all those who love to barbecue at their Dutchess County home

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

Never assume your grill is cool enough to be moved up against your home.

The Hudson Valley is starting to enjoy the weather and more people are using their outdoor grills….and the number of grill-caused fires in Western Dutchess County goes up.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, outdoor grilling causes an average of 8,900 home fires. Gas grills cause more home fires than charcoal grills as most people, about 64% of households, own gas grills.

Regardless of the kind of grill you might have, there are some important BBQ safety tips that will help keep you safe during barbecuing season:

-Always a good idea to check for propane leaks on your gas grill. Try a soap and water mixture on the hose to check for leaks when the gas is on (it will bubble where the leak is), or you might notice a gas odor near the barbecue or maybe there's a flame that just won’t light.

-Grill away from any structures. Gas and charcoal grills are made for outdoor use only but more than 25% of home fires start on a balcony or open porch. Even when you’re done cooking, a grill is still a fire hazard, DO NOT MOVE the grill near your home. Never leave it unattended and don’t try to move the grill when it’s hot or still lit. A grill will stay hot for at least an hour after use.

-Be careful with charcoal starter fluid, if you use a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. If the fire starts to go out, it is not a good idea to add starter fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. 

-Keep your grill on a flat surface that is stable, make sure it can’t be tipped over.

-Remove grease or fat build-up often. A clean grill helps food taste better too.

-Never use water to put out a grease fire. Always keep baking soda and a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies. Baking soda will help control a grease fire.

While all safety measures can be followed, things just happen accidentally. Help decrease the chances of a fire by knowing the grilling safety tips. 

If you ever suffer fire damage, SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County is here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We'll make it "Like it never even happened."