Summertime Safety Tips, Part 6: The Dos and Don’ts of Grilling

There’s nothing like good barbecue. And now that it’s summertime, most of us are taking advantage of the good weather by using the grill. But be careful, that grill is more dangerous than you think.

Did you know that every year, 7,000 Americans are injured and 8,900 homes are destroyed because of incorrect use of a grill? Just having the grill too close to your home can be risky. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, July is the peak month for grill fires – nearly 17 percent of structure, outdoor, or other types of fires are associated with grilling accidents.

We want you to be safe while you’re barbecuing this summer, especially when you’re just grilling a couple of hot dogs. So here’s a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind when starting up the grill this weekend:

Do

• Clean your grill regularly. The NFPA says the leading factor of grilling accidents is a failure to clean the girl before starting it up.
• Check for leaks or breaks before firing the grill.
• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home. In fact, the farther away, the better.
• Keep a bottle of water handy. That way, if there’s a minor flare-up, you can instantly cool it down.

Don’t

• Turn on the gas while the grill is closed. The gas will build up inside the grill and when you light it, you can cause a fireball.
• Leave the grill unattended.
• Overload it with food, especially with fatty meats. Too much fat drips can cause a large flare-up.
• Use a grill indoors. For obvious reasons.

If you get into a fire accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help! Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.