- Set up your grill by keeping it a safe distance from the outside of your home, checking the weather and cleaning it regularly.
- While cooking, use the right tools, keep flammable items away and never leave the grill unattended.
- If flare-ups happen, shut off the heat, close the lid and use baking soda or a proper extinguisher — not water.
- After grilling, fully cool coals, clean the grill and store fuel and tools safely.
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 cooking can come with fire hazards, burns and the risk of personal injury. Keeping safe grilling habits in mind can help prevent accidents and injuries.
Key Takeaways
At Amica, we want you to have fun while helping you stay safe. To support a safer and more enjoyable grilling season, follow these grilling safety tips before you light the grill, while you cook and after the cookout is over.
Quick reminder: Some of the most important barbecue safety tips are also the simplest — keep your grill well away from your home, never leave it unattended and clean grease buildup regularly.
Before you light the grill
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.
If you live in a multifamily building, balcony grill safety matters too. Check your lease, condo association rules and local fire codes before using a grill on a balcony or small patio.
Is your cookout setup close to siding, railings or outdoor furniture? Take another look and adjust if necessary before you start cooking. One of the most effective grilling safety tips is simply giving heat and flames more open space.
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.
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.
Safe grilling checklist
| Situation | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Grill placement | Keep the grill at least 10 feet from your home and other combustible materials | Helps reduce the chance of a fire spreading |
| Weather check | Watch for wind, dry conditions and local fire warnings | Supports safer flame control and better BBQ safety |
| Grease cleanup | Clean the grill, grates and grease trap regularly | Helps prevent flare-ups and grease fires |
| Fuel system inspection | Check propane tanks and hoses for leaks or damage | Reduces the risk of gas-related fire hazards |
| Safety supplies | Keep a fire extinguisher, baking soda and grilling gloves nearby | Helps you respond more quickly if something goes wrong |
Want more home fire prevention guidance? Explore our best practices for fire prevention and safety.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is your cookout setup close to siding, railings or outdoor furniture? Take another look and adjust if necessary before you start cooking. One of the most effective grilling safety tips is simply giving heat and flames more open space.
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:
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.
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 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.
Want more seasonal home care ideas? Explore ideas for summer maintenance and tips for home security.
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FAQs about grilling safety
Keeping your grill away from your home, cleaning grease buildup, checking propane connections and never leaving the grill unattended while cooking.
Start by choosing an open grilling area, keeping flammable items away, using long-handled tools and having a fire extinguisher nearby. These simple barbecue safety tips can help you build safer habits from the start.
Close the lid, turn off the burners if possible and use baking soda for a small grease fire. Avoid using water on grease fires. If the fire grows, move away and call the fire department.
Yes. Balcony grill safety can depend on your building rules, lease terms, condo association requirements and local fire codes. Small spaces can also make it harder to keep enough distance from walls, railings and other combustible materials.
Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers fire damage caused by a grill accident, as fire is a standard covered peril. A standard policy may help cover damage to your home's structure, personal possessions, and even cover medical bills for a guest injured in the accident.
Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.
This inclusion of non-Amica companies, products, services or statement herein (“Third-Party Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Amica Insurance. Policies, views, opinions or positions of Third-Party Content expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies, views, opinions or positions of Amica Insurance. Amica Insurance makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy and reliability of Third-Party Content.
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