Safety Tips for Summer Barbecuing

With summer arriving, many people will fire up their grills, but you should always keep safety in mind.  8,800 grill or barbecue related fires occur every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. In fact, 1 out of every 6 residential fires involve grills. Taking adequate safety precautions can help prevent these fires.

The following safety tips can help reduce the risk of fires.

• Only use a grill outdoors, grills are not designed for indoor use. Indoor use could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning from the fumes
• Avoid placing your grill near buildings, trees, or other flammable objects, particularly overhead ones.
• Avoid letting children or pets near the grill
• To prevent grease fires, clean out grease and fat buildup from the grill and any trays below the grill
• Don’t leave the grill unattended while lit
• Make sure to set up the grill in a place where it is stable and won’t tip over
• Do not move a grill that is still hot.
• Look at the owner’s manual for additional precautions

There are additional precautions for each type of grill. With a charcoal grill you should avoid disposing of coals until they have cooled completely and only dispose of them in suitable metal containers. Likewise, avoid putting electric starters or lighters near flammable objects.  Keep starter fluids and coals away from heat sources when storing or using them. Never apply starter fluid to an already lit fire.

Propane grills need to be checked for leaks. A way to check for leaks is to cover the hose connecting the propane tank to the grill in soapy water and turn the gas on. Bubbles will form from escaping propane if there is a leak. If the leak stops when you turn off the gas, call a professional to service the grill before using it again. If it doesn’t, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off, move away from the grill and, if the leak continues, call the fire department.

Following proper safety precautions can help keep your summer fun from ending in tragedy. Grill accidents are common, but you can reduce the risk by following the above safety tips.

For more information about grill safety or to discuss a grill accident, contact personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia at Galfand Berger at 800-222-8792 or contact us online.  Our legal team has vast experience helping grill accident victims recover compensation in a products liability lawsuit.