Sizzle into Summer with these Grilling Safety Tips

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Keep decorations away from your cooking area to avoid flare ups that could cause harm to your guests or your home.

In 2013-2017, grills, hibachis or barbecues were involved in an average of 10,200 home fires per year! These fires contributed to the annual averages of 10 deaths, 160 reported injuries, and roughly $123 MILLION in direct property damages.

While the summertime sets the mood for outdoor barbecues and get togethers, it is important to practice safe outdoor grilling to ensure the safety of your guests, your home, and yourself.

Check out these tips to have a SAFE and enjoyable barbecue:

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. This includes any portions attached to your house like carports, garages, and porches. Grills should not be used under wood overhangs or palapas either, as the fire could flare up into the structure above.
• Clean your grill regularly. If you allow grease or fat to build up on your grill, it could increase the potential for a flare up.
• Check for gas leaks if using a gas grill. Gas leaks are the silent, unexpected guests at your backyard barbecue. You can check for gas leaks by using a mixture of half liquid dish soap and half water. Rub the mixture on hoses and connections, then turn the gas on (with the grill lid open). If the soap mixture produces large bubbles, that's the sign of a potential gas leak. The hose may have small holes or the connection is not tight enough.
• Keep decorations away from your grill. No gathering is complete without the array of perfectly chosen, themed decorations straight from your Pinterest board. However, the decorations may look pretty, but they also add fuel to the fire. Today’s decor is often made of artificial fibers that burn extremely fast and hot. Keep a designated cooking area away from the house and decoration free.
• NEVER turn on the gas to your grill while the lid is closed. This can cause a buildup of gas inside your grill, and when you light it and open the lid, a fireball can explode in your face.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near your grill, and KNOW HOW TO USE IT. If you are unsure how to use it, call 911 immediately. Firefighters state that many fire deaths occur when people try to fight the fire themselves instead of calling for an expert.

You can read more about grill and fire statistics here:https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/US-Fire-Problem/Fire-causes/osGrills.pdf

Your friends at SERVPRO® want you to have a fun and safe summer!

If you have experienced a fire caused by a barbecue or gas grill, contact SERVPRO® of South Pasadena at (713) 472-4162, or check out our website for more summer safety tips: https://www.SERVPROsouthpasadena.com/