We all know that barbecue is mainly done in July and that’s the most memorable time, it’s a family-friendly event. And no get-together happens without food, and for the entertainment to be good, meat and vegetables are roasted over charcoal or wood fire.
But we know that accidents can happen anytime where there is fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that barbecue grills cause 10,000 house and outdoor fires yearly.
It’s good to know some safety barbecue tips you can apply anytime you use your grill barbecue to avoid accidents.
Follow the tips below to keep your friends and relatives safe and enjoy yourself.
1. Keep your barbecue grill away from your house
In that summertime, you have welcomed your friends and family to have a good time, and you want to cook on your grill. You will need to remember a grill can destroy your entire day.
The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission has recommended placing your barbecue grill 10 feet away from any fabric. Before you start cooking, move your grill far from your house.
Let’s say you are cooking, the fat from the food is dripping and hitting the grill coals, and you have just turned to talk or grab something for a minute. And immediately, the fat oil starts causing a grease fire.
So, if it happens near your house, the fire will spread to other fabrics causing a house fire, which will be a loss and danger to you.
2. Always have a fire extinguisher with you
Having a fire extinguisher with you will be very important when cooking outside and using a grill. Ensure you know where you have placed it, or even you can be cooking when it’s beside you.
If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, make sure you purchase one to avoid fire breakouts when cooking. Never put out a grease fire with water because it might cause the grease to splash and spread fire all over.
3. Make sure your grill is clean
Using a clean grill is very important. The way you can never cook food on a dirty frying pan is the same way you shouldn’t cook food on a dirty grill. Cooking on a dirty grill can attract bacteria to your food, making you sick.
Leave alone sickness. Did you know a dirty grill can also cause a fire? Yes, it can catch fire which can spread all over. When old grease builds up on your grill, it can accumulate everywhere and cause it to catch fire easily.
Always clean your grill thoroughly after using it to avoid grease build-up.
4. Keep your child or any pet far from the grill
Young kids like exploring and touching everything they come across without knowing it can hurt or injure them. So, when using your outdoor grill, ensure no kid is close to the grilling or any cooking equipment because they might end up being burnt.
Grills take a long time to cool down, so even when you’re done using your grill, it’s essential to watch out for your kids and pets from going closer to it.
5. Look over any gas leakage
Most fires from grills occur because of gas leakages and brakes from the gas line. Before starting your grill, examine any damages or leaks that may occur.
Just apply soap water to the cylinder valve and outlet connections to examine gas leakages. After applying, you will need to open the cylinder valve.
If you notice any bubbles forming in those areas, that’s where the leak is.
Always conduct that examination before starting to use your grill. If you find any leakage or anything that is not appropriate, you can replace, repaint, or restore.
Conclusion
When using the barbecue grill, we don’t use it only for good food; it also brings people together and enables friendship connections to grow. Having outdoor cooking is the best way to enjoy yourself with friends and family.
The above guide will be of good help when using the BBQ grill with friends, leaving you with the safe and best memories.
