It's grilling season! Here's Some Fire Safety Prevention Tips

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

Memorial Day, a day in which we honor and remember lives lost, kicks off grilling season each year.

Grilling season is officially underway! We just kicked it off celebrating Memorial Day in honor of, and with gratitude for those who passed serving our country. Unfortunately, safety is something that often goes overlooked during grilling season. While many of us know how to “throw down” on the grill or smokers, there are potential dangers which should never be overlooked. Before your first grill of the year and often throughout the grilling season, you must be sure to take precautions. Protection against fires can be relatively simple and inexpensive. Here are some safety tips to help prevent fire fatalities and injuries at your home this summer

• First and foremost, NEVER use a grill indoors. Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, on balconies, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Make sure your grill is ready for the job. Start off the season with a clean grill and throughout the season periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by the heat while cooking.
• Inspect propane fuel lines, and position your grill away from structures, trees and high-traffic walkways.
• Position the grill far away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when it’s in use.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills: declare a minimum three-foot "safe zone" around the grill to avoid any potential injuries to children or pets.
• If using a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluids designed specifically for barbecue grills and do not add any fluid after coals have been lit. even if you do not yet have the flames you desire just let it all sit and eventually your coals will all be hot enough. NEVER use gasoline in your grills! You can also build the fire by adding tightly wound paper (just twist it with your hands and ball it up) and twigs to your charcoal. That is an alternative to lighter fluid. It may not start your coals going as quickly but they will take.
• With gas grills, make sure that the hose connection is tight and check the hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks. If you find any leaks make sure to repair or replace the hoses BEFORE use.
• If using propane, and your propane cylinders are manufactured after April 2002, then they must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached. OPDS are easily identified by their triangle-shaped hand wheel.
• Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns and splatters.
• Never attempt to move a hot grill.
• In case of a flare-up or fire were to occur; keep an extinguisher nearby and make sure to know how to cut off fuel lines if you are using propane. 
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto grill and catch fire.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the grill and have the grill. repaired by a professional, if repairs are necessary.

If you should experience a fire and fire damage inside your home, then once it is extinguished, give us a call. At SERVPRO of Greensboro North, we are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year in order to assist you with your fire damage. We are also here to assist you with any water damage which can arise from fires as a result of the fire department needing to come in to extinguish your fire. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772 We will make it "Like it never even happened."