Grilling Safety: 6 Tips For A Safe Summer BBQ
Summertime is synonymous with BBQs and enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. But barbecuing can come with some risks. According to the NFPA, 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year. By taking the proper precautions, you can ensure a good time is had by all. Here are some grilling safety tips to help you enjoy a safe and fun summer BBQ.
1. Check Your Grill Regularly
Inspect your grill before each use to make sure there are no cracks or holes in the body or burner area. If you find any damage, replace the grill or parts immediately. Doing this could help you avoid a fire.
2. Use The Right Fuel
If you have a gas grill, use only propane or natural gas. If you’re using charcoal, make sure the coals are completely extinguished and cool before disposing of them in a metal container.
3. Keep Your Grill Clean
Grease and fat can build up on your grill, which could cause a fire. Clean it at least once a month to prevent a fire.
4. Never Leave Your Grill Unattended
If you have to leave the grill for even a minute, turn it off. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to start, so it’s important to stay close by or have another adult keep an eye on it while you’re away.
5. Keep Children And Pets Away From The Grill
Children or pets could accidentally knock it over or touch something hot, so it’s best to keep them a safe distance away. If you have small children, consider setting up a play area away from the grill area.
6. Be Prepared For A Fire
If a fire does start, never try to put it out with water. This could cause the grease to splatter and spread the fire. The first thing to do if your grill catches fire is close the lid to cut off the oxygen. If you have a gas grill and can safely reach the knobs, turn them off. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand to extinguish flames using the P.A.S.S. technique – pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep.
Accidents can happen, even when you’re being careful and following all the right precautions. In case something does go wrong, it’s best to have homeowners insurance or renters insurance to help protect your home and your belongings.
How Homeowners Insurance & Renters Insurance Can Protect Your Home
Homeowners insurance or renters insurance could help protect your home and belongings by covering the cost of repairs or replacement if your home or apartment is damaged by a fire.
In the event of a fire, homeowners insurance will typically cover:
- The structure of your home
- Your personal belongings
- Additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable
Renters insurance, on the other hand, will typically cover:
- Your personal belongings
- Additional living expenses if your rental unit is uninhabitable
If you don’t have homeowners or renters insurance and a fire damages your home or belongings, you will likely have to pay for repairs or replacement out of your own pocket.
So, before you fire up the grill this summer, be sure you’re prepared with homeowners insurance or renters insurance. It could help give you peace of mind knowing you and your belongings are protected in case of an accident.
Get A Free Insurance Quote Online
We recommend that all renters and homeowners have adequate coverage in case of an accident occurs. At Acceptance Insurance, we believe that insurance should be easy and affordable. That’s why our agents work with you to help create a custom plan that meets your specific needs. Get a free, no-hassle homeowners insurance or renters insurance quote online today!
Common Questions About Grilling Safety
What Are Some Common Safety Hazards When Grilling?
First, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the grill at all times to make sure there are no flare-ups and that the food isn’t sticking to the grill. Be careful when flipping food, as it can easily fall off the grill and onto the ground.
Another safety hazard to be aware of is carbon monoxide poisoning. This can occur when grilling with charcoal, so it’s important to always make sure your grill is well-ventilated. Never, ever grills indoors. This can lead to a dangerous buildup of deadly carbon monoxide.
What Should I Do If My Grill Starts A Fire?
Fire is one of the most serious dangers when grilling. If your grill starts a fire, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage. If the fire is small, use a fire extinguisher to put it out. Never use water to put out a grease fire. If the fire is large, call the fire department.
Do I Need Homeowners Insurance Or Renters Insurance To Grill On My Property?
Many homeowners and renters insurance policies include coverage for grill fires, so check with your agent to see if your policy includes this protection. If you don’t already have insurance, it’s a good idea to purchase a policy that includes coverage for this type of event.
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