SERVPRO of Metairie is the fire restoration experts.

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

It is great to spend your time outdoors and enjoy a good, grilled meal during the summer, but it is important to always keep fire safety in mind when you do so. While grilling is a frequent activity for many of us, any time an open flame is introduced, there is the potential for a fire to begin.

Predictably, grill fires tend to peak during summertime, and the U.S. Fire Administration has found that nearly 6,000 occur annually. A few grill safety tips can go a long way in preventing fires, however, so getting into the habit of these actions below will significantly increase your fire safety.

A Few Grill Fire Safety Tips That Go a Long Way

Create a safe zone around your grill. Though the primary focus is on convenience when you are finding a place to situate your grill, do not neglect safety concerns. Keep at least three feet around the grill free of children, pets and flammable materials, including decks and siding in case of a flare-up.

Clean your grill grates often. Over time, grease and other particles can build up on grill grates, making cooking less consistent and leading to an increased fire concern. Grease fires can be particularly dangerous to deal with, so simply scraping off your grates after each use is the best way to stay safe from these incidents.

Never leave the grill unattended. If a fire were to start and you (and your fire extinguisher) are nearby, you can put it out before it causes damage in many cases. However, if the grill is unattended, a disaster can quickly occur. Even if you are just taking a short break, be sure there is someone around to keep an eye on the grill at all times when it is lit.

Inspect the grill regularly. Every time you use your grill, do a simple visual inspection to ensure everything appears to be in good shape. With propane-powered grills, there is always a potential that a gas leak could develop, which can be disastrous if an open flame is introduced. Doing your due diligence to check these things is a smart way to be fire safe.

If you have a grill fire that does 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.