12 Must-Know Grilling Safety Tips for a Safe Cookout
Grilling season is here, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a delicious meal and creating summer memories with family and friends. However, outdoor grilling presents potential risks, such as fire hazards, burns and the threat of personal injury. To keep the fun going, it’s important to keep safety in mind to prevent accidents and injuries.
At Amica, we want you to have fun, but we also care about keeping you safe. To help keep your summer accident free, follow these 12 tips to have a safe and enjoyable grilling season.
Before you light the grill
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Pick the perfect spot:
To mitigate the risk of fire, be mindful of where you position your grill. Avoid grilling on decks or patios with flammable items or structures below. Try to place your grill in an open area, at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, overhanging branches or eaves, and any other combustible materials.
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Watch the weather:
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust your grilling plans accordingly. If it’s windy, secure your grill to prevent it from tipping over, and also be mindful of strong wind gusts that could fan the flames in the grill. If it rains, use a grill cover and move your grill to a covered area to prevent slips and falls. Avoid grilling in enclosed spaces, like your garage or under a roof overhang. In hot, dry weather, be mindful of fire warnings and keep a water source and baking soda on hand to quickly extinguish any unexpected flare-ups.
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Keep your grill in good shape:
Clean the grease trap and grease from your grill regularly to prevent buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Check your propane tanks and hose connections for any leaks or damage before each use and replace them if necessary. A well-maintained grill is a safe grill.
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Have safety gear ready:
Even with all of the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. That’s why whenever you turn on your grill, you should have the right safety gear on hand. Keep a fire extinguisher or water source close and remember, baking soda is best for small grease fires. Consider investing in heat-resistant grilling gloves to protect your hands from burns.
While you’re cooking
Once you’ve prepped your grill, it’s time to start cooking. Keep these tips in mind to help get your food from the grill to the table:
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Use long-handled tools:
A set of long-handled tools, such as tongs, spatulas and forks, can help you maintain a safe distance from the heat, avoiding burns from flare-ups and splattering grease.
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Keep flammable items away:
Lighter fluid, paper plates, napkins and other flammable items must be kept away from your grill. A single stray spark can quickly turn a small fire into a dangerous blaze.
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Stay with your grill:
Never leave your grill unattended. Sticking close will allow you to respond quickly to any flare-ups or emergencies and ensure your food doesn’t burn.
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Handle flare-ups safely:
Flare-ups are common when grilling, but they can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation if not handled properly. If a flare-up occurs, follow these steps:
- Close the grill lid to cut off the oxygen supply.
- Turn off the burners to stop feeding the fire with gas.
- Use a fire extinguisher suitable for grease and gas fires if the flare-up is serious.
- For small grease fires, smother the flames with baking soda. Avoid using water, as it can cause the grease to splatter and spread fire.
- If the fire spreads and becomes uncontrollable, evacuate the area and call the fire department immediately. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones should always be your top priority.
After the cookout
Grilling safety doesn’t stop once the food is cooked. Keep these tips in mind when it’s time to clean up:
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Dispose of charcoal properly:
If you’re using charcoal, it’s important to ensure the coals are completely extinguished and cooled before disposal. This may take up to two days but can be shortened by spreading out the coals and closing the vents on your grill. You can also use water, but be sure to avoid steam and hot ash. Once the coals are cooled, place them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
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Clean up and store safely:
After the cookout, clean the grill and surrounding area thoroughly. Remove any grease or food debris that could attract pests or become a fire hazard. Store all equipment safely and ensure it’s in good condition. Inspect propane tanks, hoses and other components for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if needed.
We understand the importance of creating cherished moments with your loved ones. Taking the necessary precautions to keep your family and friends safe will provide peace of mind when enjoying your cookouts. With these 10 grilling safety tips in mind, you can rest assured that your backyard barbecue will be a resounding success, ensuring that your summer memories are filled with laughter, good food and quality time spent together.
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Keep your grill in good shape:
Clean the grease trap and grease from your grill regularly to prevent buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Check your propane tanks and hose connections for any leaks or damage before each use and replace them if necessary. A well-maintained grill is a safe grill.
-
Have safety gear ready:
Even with all of the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. That’s why whenever you turn on your grill, you should have the right safety gear on hand. Keep a fire extinguisher or water source close and remember, baking soda is best for small grease fires. Consider investing in heat-resistant grilling gloves to protect your hands from burns.
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