SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties is the fire restoration experts. To learn more give us a call or contact us online.

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Practice Fire Safety When You Grill | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh & East Liberty Counties

It is always fun to make the most of the extra daylight of summer, and for many of us, that means grilling up many meals and enjoying them outside. Because grilling is something many of us do regularly, the safety aspects of it often get overlooked—but because it is an open flame, you always want to be careful when it is time to cook.

It is reported by the U.S. Fire Administration that there are nearly 6,000 fires that result from grilling every year, leading to millions in property damages. If you can take a few precautions each time you light the grill, you can significantly lessen the chance of a fire starting in your backyard.

Always Be Careful When It Is Time to Cook on the Grill

Create a safe zone around your grill. It might be tempting to situate your grill in a spot that is convenient to your back door, but you should always remember the three-foot rule when placing it in your yard. A flare-up can be quite large, igniting any flammable materials that happen to be nearby.

Clean your grill grates often. A simple brush after each use of the grill can significantly reduce your chances of a fire, and it can make your food cook better, too. The bits of food can ignite if left unattended for long enough, and because they are often greasy, they may lead to a fire that can’t be put out with water.

Never leave the grill unattended. While walking into the kitchen for a single item or taking a quick break may seem harmless enough, your grill should never leave your sight while it is lit. Even with the lid on, grills can start fires in an instant—it is best to always act as though this is a possibility and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Inspect the grill regularly. For those that use charcoal grills, an inspection might be more simple. If you have a propane grill, you want to inspect things thoroughly to prevent any possible gas leaks. Your gas line can wear down over time, as can your connectors and even the tank itself. Gas leaks can lead to fires, so it is best to do a thorough check each time.

If you have a grill fire do damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us any time, day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.