Grilling Safety Tips

The month of May is a very busy month for most of us. With school ending, graduations, vacations, Memorial Day, and Mother’s Day there are plenty of opportunities to have friends and family gather for events. With warmer temperatures throughout most of the month everyone gravitates toward the outdoors and the grills come out. We would like to provide some grilling safety tips to help remind everyone of the dangers that come along with irresponsible outdoor grilling.

General Safety Tips

Charcoal and propane grills should only be used outdoors.
The grill should be placed away from the home, deck, overhanging branches, or eaves.
Children and pets should be kept at least 3 feet away from the grill area.
The grill should never be left unattended.
Make sure that you gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

Charcoal Grills

There are many ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as fuel.
If you use starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Do not add starter fluid to an open flame.
Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children/pets and away from heat sources.
There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Propane Grills

Before using your propane grill for the first time each year make sure that you check the gas tank hose for leaks. The first way that you can do this is by smelling around the hose after the gas has been turned on. The second is by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If you identify a leak by either smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops then have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If it does not stop, call the fire department.
If you ever smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Never try to move the grill.
If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.

This time of year is a favorite for grill lovers everywhere. Just keep in mind that a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. Grill accidents can cause property damage, injuries, or even death. Follow these tips this grilling season and enjoy your friends, family, and food without any worry. If something does go wrong ServiceMaster by Bailey is available and ready 24/7/365 to assist with property damage caused by fire. Call 770.720.9533!