Prevent Grill Fires With Safety Tips | SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County
7/29/2020 (Permalink)
There are few things that sum up the enjoyable aspects of summer more than a well-grilled meal eaten outside with your family. Grilling allows you to cook delicious meals (and keep the kitchen clean) while enjoying all that the outdoors has to offer—but it is important to note that with fires as a concern, precautions must be taken.
Grill fires are quite common, occurring over 5,500 times annually according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent a grill fire from starting in the first place, which we have listed below.
Stop Grill Fires From Starting With These Tips
Create a safe zone around your grill. It may seem like convenience is the most important consideration when you pick a spot for your grill to sit, but you should not neglect the importance of safety. A flare-up from your grill can be quite large, so it is recommended to have three feet of empty space around it as a fire precaution.
Clean your grill grates often. With each use, your grill grates can become saturated with food and grease that have become stuck over time. Brushing down your grates after each use is always recommended—not only will this keep your grill’s temperatures consistent, but it will also prevent these food bits from becoming too hot and catching fire.
Never leave the grill unattended. The difference between a close call and a full-on fire is often a nearby person with a fire extinguisher, so you should make sure to always have that if you are grilling. If you must take a break, be sure to have someone watch the grill in your place just in case.
Inspect the grill regularly. All things can become worn with age, including the gas connections on your grill. Because this can lead to hazardous gas leaks, you can make a habit to visually inspect your grill before each use to reduce the chances of an issue arising.
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.