I hope that you and your family have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! I have always enjoyed the unofficial start of summer and what it represents to me and to this country. Thank you to all those who have served and are serving our country now to protect what we hold dear. Words cannot express how much your sacrifice means.
Now that summer is (unofficially) here, my family plans to bring the grill back out and keep it fired up for most of the next few months. Well, not literally, but you know what I mean. 🙂
I just love this time of year and always look forward to spending more time outdoors with my family and enjoying the nice weather.
In my house, grilling is a big part of summer, so I wanted to share with you some grilling safety tips. (What kind of Insurance Agent would I be if I didn’t keep safety first!?) 🙂
Fire in the grill, cooking delicious burger patties and franks, is wonderful, but fire outside the grill… not so much.
The only urgent call I want from you this summer is the one telling me there’s an emergency pool party and to get everybody there now, not one saying you’ve had a grill fire and need to file a claim.
Keep yourself and your family safe while grilling by following the tips below:
- Only grill outdoors. Never attempt to use a propane or charcoal grill indoors or underneath a low-hanging ceiling.
- Keep the grill a safe distance from the home, far enough that it is out of the way of the home, a deck or porch, overhangs, as well as any landscaping or trees.
- Always keep children and pets away from the grill and surrounding area.
- Clean your grill regularly and do not allow grease or fat to build up in it as it is a fire risk. Allow it to instead collect in a grill tray below the grill and dispose of it safely.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- If using a propane grill, check the major connection points between the tank and hose before each use. Tighten if loose and inspect the cord for any holes. Do not use it if you smell gas or suspect the cord is damaged. Turn off the gas and do not attempt to move the grill or propane tank. Contact someone qualified to properly service the grill or call the fire department.
- If you are using a charcoal grill, use caution when igniting and handling coals. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Use these tips (and your head!) while enjoying the great things summer has to offer. Feel free to share these with your friends and family so they can stay safe too.
Get more tips for staying safe while grilling online by visiting the National Fire Prevention Association’s website – https://www.nfpa.org/