Top 10 Barbecue Safety Tips for Summer
May is National Barbecue Month. A time for friends and family to get outside in the backyard and enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather we have! There are some awesome grilling meats available at your local grocery store, and tons of Barbecues’s to choose from at Home Depot, but the gathering will only be a true success if you follow these 10 tips for Barbecue safety:
- Fire – Be sure your flame stays under control while grilling. Grill fires statistically injure millions of people per year, so be extra careful when standing around the open grill. Keep children away from the grill at all times, and be sure to have a working fire extinguisher on hand.
- Food Safety – It is very important to make sure you prepare meats properly before grilling. Be sure to keep them at a cold temperature before cooking, and back into the refrigerator after your guests are done eating.
- Follow Directions – Be sure to follow the standard safety manual that came with your Barbecue. If you have misplaced the manual, each manufacturer has a printable version online to review.
- Location – The location of your Barbecue in the backyard is a very important choice. Be sure to have a good clearance around the Barbecue and to trim any bushes or plants that may have grown around it. Do not place your grill directly under a patio cover or awning as the wood frame of your home could be flammable.
- Gas Safety – Be sure all connections on your Barbecue are sealed tight to the propane tank. Animals, bugs or plants have the ability to grow up inside the grill so be sure to clear any obstruction near the gas line.
- Charcoal Safety – Charcoal grills are considered extremely flammable, and are known to cause a lot more fires due to the nature of the uncontrolled flames. Be very careful when adding lighter fluid to the hot coals, and expect a flare up. Follow directions to properly lighting your charcoal barbecue.
- Grease Fires– Grease from meat or well oiled veggies can cause a fire to flare up! Grease build up on an un-clean barbecue can also cause an unexpected fire if not properly cleaned or watched carefully.
- Alcohol – While it may be common to have a few drinks during your grilling session, please be careful to keep a clear mind and total awareness of your surroundings while manning the grill.
- Smoke Damage – Be sure to keep smoke to a minimum while grilling. Be sure to place dry items on the grill to prevent a smoke cloud from forming. Smoke is extremely dangerous for humans to inhale, so be sure to keep it to a minimum.
- California Home Insurance – Be sure to have your California home insurance premium all paid up as you start using your grill or having guests over to your home. Events may be fun, but they are a golden opportunity for some sort of injury or damages to your home. For any further questions about your California home insurance, call Remland Insurance today at 714) 532-3341
Written by: Christi Gartner
Grill: Available at Home Depot
