Spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner. Everyone is getting out their grills, cleaning them off and preparing for those BBQs we all know and love. Having a cookout with your friends or family is always a great way to kick off the warmer seasons, but there are still a few simple safety tips that you should keep in mind. If you’re not a pro-griller then let us give you some of the basic safety rules to follow to get you started, and if you are, then here’s a little refresher for you!
Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. This one seems pretty self explanatory, right? It’s best to keep your grill at least ten feet away, if not more, from your home and any of its attachments. Sometimes those flames can get a little wild, and if you’re not careful they could end up catching on a wooden overhang and turning into a real fire!
Clean your grill regularly. Of course it’s only natural to want to clean something if you’re using it a lot, but keeping tidy isn’t the only reason you want to make sure your grill is clean! Grease and fat build up if your grill isn’t cleaned properly, and that can add more fuel to a fire. It’s one of the major sources of flare ups, and no one wants that!
Check for gas leaks. You can make sure no gas is leaking from your gas grill by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rubbing it on the hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on (with the grill lid open.) If the soap forms large bubbles, that’s a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough. This will help ensure your safety, and everyone else’s, when you’re grilling.
Keep decorations away from your grill. Another self explanatory tip, much like keeping your grill ten feet away from your home. Make sure there are no hanging baskets, pillows or umbrellas near your grill. They may look pretty, but they can add fuel to a fire very easily!
Never leave a grill unattended. Fire is unpredictable and you never know what can happen if you decide to step away. Even if it’s just for a few seconds there is a probability that something could catch fire and cause damages for you. Make sure to plan ahead so all food prep is done and you can focus on grilling.
Never turn on the gas while the grill lid is closed. This will cause gas to build up inside of your grill, and when you do decide to light it and open it, then there’s a chance that fire could end up exploding in your face. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so please don’t turn on the gas while the grill lid is closed!
