Well summer has finally arrived. Open the pool and break out the floaties, weekend deck parties, and of course, the grill. There’s nothing better than a nice barbecued chicken or grilled steak on a warm summer night, but it’s important to make sure you’re grilling safely. It may have been a few months since you’ve pulled out the grill, or maybe this is your first summer as a grill-owner. Either way, make sure you’re following the rules, so you keep your home and family safe, and maintain your title as grill master.
Grills Are for Outside:
First things first, grills need to be kept where they belong. Sure, Dad might say it’ll be fine in the garage, but that’s actually a very bad idea. Grills need to be outside, where the smoke and fumes can disperse safely into the air, and not into your rafters or roof. If you keep your grill in any kind of enclosed space, carbon monoxide can build up and cause you serious harm, so to maintain the summer fun, just take it outside.
Stay 10 Feet Away From House:
Your grill should sit at least 10 feet away from your house. This includes any overhangs, porches, decks, and garages. We already mentioned the carbon monoxide issue, but also, your grill produces smoke. And if that smoke is too close to your home, it can leave ugly black marks or grease on your siding. Not pretty.
Keep Grill Stable:
Once you get the grill outside, make sure it’s stable. This might mean it’s set on the cement pad outside the garage, or it might be on the driveway, but all four legs have to be firmly planted on the ground levelly. Otherwise, you risk the grill tipping over, which is a bad end to dinner, not to mention a threat to your health.
Wear Safe Clothing:
While of course you’ve got to sport your king-of-the-grill apron, or whatever other appropriate attire you don for the ritual of grilling, just make sure that your clothes are safe. That means your apron strings should be behind you, so they don’t catch fire, and you should also wear grilling mitts or something to protect your arms from flames and grease splatter.
Have a Spray Bottle Handy:
This is a great way to control renegade flames without ruining dinner. Keep a spray bottle full of water close so you can monitor larger flames, and tame them down before they become bigger problems.
Be Ready to Extinguish Flames:
Since you are dealing with fire, it’s best to be prepared. We know you want to save the food at all costs, but sometimes it’s just better to cut your losses. In the event that serious flames pop up, you should have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand handy to put out the flames quickly. Baking soda is also great for controlling grease fires.
Use Long Handled Utensils:
Just like any sport, for grilling you need to have the proper equipment. And that means long handled grilling tools. They’re not just big for fun, they have long handles to keep your arms and hands safe from grease splatter and rising flames. So, make sure you’re using the proper utensils to keep yourself safe, and to look the part, of course.
Do Not Move a Hot Grill:
Even if people want to use the space to settle a cornhole tournament, do not move the grill once it’s been turned on. You risk ruining dinner, and perhaps worse, hurting yourself. Tell them the cornhole tourney needs to take place after dinner, or somewhere else – you have that power.
Do Not Grill Unattended:
You’re the grill master. And the grill master does not leave his or her post. At least not when the grill is on. This is your opportunity to shout out orders, and have people bring you drinks, as well as the necessary tools; take advantage of it and keep everyone safe at the same time.
Do Not Turn on Gas While the Lid is Closed:
Only turn on the gas when the lid is open, and you’re ready to light the grill. If you turn on the gas when the lid is closed, you’re at risk of creating a giant fireball of doom that will ruin dinner and cause serious damage to you and anyone around you.
Don’t Overfill Your Grill:
We get it, you’re feeding an army, but if you have too many guests, they’re just going to have to eat in shifts. Or you need a bigger grill. Either way, it’s important that you don’t absolutely stuff your grill. Fat from just about anything you’re cooking drips down to the bottom of the grill, causing flames to rise, and if you have too much food on the grill, there’s no way to control those flames. They’ll just keep rising.
Teach Kids to Stay Safe:
The kids are just as excited about summer, and grilling, as you are, but it’s still important that they stay safe. Make sure they understand there’s a three to five foot “no kid zone” around the grill, so they don’t get accidentally burned.
Remember Post-Grilling Safety:
As grill-master, you also have the not-so-glamorous job of cleaning the grill. Make sure the grill is no longer hot, then remove any grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays below the grill. Make sure to cover your grill so it’s clean and ready for your next outdoor cooking adventure.
If something does happen while you’re grilling this summer, it’s important to know that your family and your home are covered for any damages. If you’re not sure if fires caused by grills are covered in your homeowner’s policy, give the insurance agents at Doyle & Ogden a call. We can help you figure out what is covered, and what isn’t, and from there we can help you find a policy that offers you better coverage, at the best price. Call us at 616-949-9000, or request a quote online today!
