Barbeque Safely This Summer | SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summertime really is the sweetest, isn’t it? Warm summer days that blend into warm summer nights are perfect for getting outdoors and throwing some burgers and hot dogs on the grill. But there are some steps you should take to make sure those grilled burgers and your home don’t go up in flames.
Improper use of grills is one of the top causes of summer fires. Both charcoal and propane grills can be equally dangerous, and SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul wants to make sure you can enjoy every moment without concern of disaster.
In order to make your backyard as safe as possible, you need to choose the perfect spot for your grill. Grills should never be in an enclosed space, and should be somewhere free of overhangs or low-hanging tree limbs. Communities in Spring Valley and Jamul likely have guidelines for open flames, but a good general rule is to keep your grill 10 feet from structures.
Make sure wherever you place it is in line with defensible zones, and let the kids know they shouldn’t play within that area when you are cooking. Don’t forget your four-legged kids, too—teaching them to stay away will help prevent burns and other accidents.
If you are using a charcoal grill, ash and buildup should be cleaned up before every use. Take a look at the grill itself and watch for signs of wear and tear. For propane or other gas-fed grills, make sure you are performing a thorough inspection before their use as well. Ensure connections are tight and there are no visible signs of holes in the lines.
Once you have your setup and cleaning completed, take note of your supplies. Make sure you have a squirt bottle with water nearby to tame any wild flames. Connect your garden hose or keep a fire extinguisher somewhere you can access it in a hurry in case things do get out of control.
After the food is cooked, let someone else handle making the plates so you can shut down the grill. Turn off the gas, and don’t forget to switch off any burners you may have been using. On charcoal grills, there should be vents you can close to stop the flow of oxygen and smother any remaining flames.
When it is safe to do so, remove ashes and remaining charcoal and dispose of them in a metal container. It doesn’t take much to restart a flame, so removing the fuel source from the heat is the best way to keep things safe. Go check your grill before bed and make sure it has cooled down substantially.
Summer in Spring Valley is such a wonderful season, and you deserve to enjoy every moment of it. Grill safely, and call SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul for fast restoration after things do get out of control.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul for a fast restoration.