In the summer … we grill. (Actually, there are quite a few New Englanders who will grill all year long despite a raging blizzard…) But, for the most part, most people fire up the grill in the warmer months and enjoy that char-grilled taste all summer long.
The National Fire Protection Association, along with your local firefighters, urge you to use caution when you step onto your patio to cook dinner. Every year there are about 8,900 grill fires, which in turn cause $118 million in property damage, 160 civilian deaths and an average of 10 deaths. Because you want to be sure your barbecue is memorable for the right reasons, here are some safety tips to help you grill smarter (and safer!) this summer:
- Use propane and charcoal barbeques outdoors only. Don’t attempt to bring the BBQ into the garage or under an overhang.
- Place the grill away from any play areas, foot traffic, or any lawn games your guests may be playing.
- Remove any grease or fat buildup in the trays below the grill so that they can’t be ignited by the heat or flames of the grill.
- If using a charcoal grill, never add charcoal starter fluid after the coals have already been lit.
- If using a propane grill and you smell gas while you are cooking (after it’s already been ignited) get away from the grill and call the fire department. Don’t try to move the grill yourself.
Backyard grilling is an important part of summer. As long as you take the proper precautions and use care while grilling, you will have many memorable barbecues all summer long.
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