Safer Grilling in the Summer

The warmer months are here, but so are the risks. Don’t let yourself become a statistic—8,000 house fires each year are caused by grilling! Simple steps can keep your home and family safe.

Before lighting the grill, make sure it is clear of debris and away from trees, shrubbery, and other combustible materials. Also check for any gas leaks in the line by applying a soapy water solution to all connections and watching for bubbles. If you do detect a leak, turn off both tanks and check all connections for tightness before relighting.

In the event of a grease fire, do not attempt to extinguish it with water. Instead, smother the flames by placing a lid or foil over the flame and turning off the burners. If that does not work, use a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires. Never spray water on a burning grill!

Grilling can be made safer and even more enjoyable with the right precautions. Invest in grilling accessories that can help you stay safe, such as long-handled tools to avoid burns and an infrared thermometer to check temperatures on the grill surface.?

Finally, always supervise your grill when in use and keep children and pets away from it at all times. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your summer grilling with peace of mind.