Grill and smoker safety requires more attention than most of us give it.
In fact, most Americans have a grill — 7 out of 10 have a grill or smoker — but do we know the risks?
The National Fire Protection Association reports that about 10,600 house fires each year begin with a grill.
Stay safer at the grill this summer with these tips:
If you have a gas grill
For all of their lovely convenience, gas grills actually have a higher instance of causing fires than charcoal.
One important safety measure is to check your propane tank for any leaks: Apply a light soap-and-water solution to the hose.
If you have a leak, you will see bubbles.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call 911.
Before lighting a gas grill, always make sure the top is open. After grilling always make sure the flames are completely extinguished.
If you have a charcoal grill
While charcoal grills cause fewer fires, they also require caution.
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid, and never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids once the fire gets going.
When you are done grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
If you’re grilling on deck
For a grill on a deck, the most important safety measure is to buy a quality mat, especially on a wood deck.
The best grill mats are thick enough that if an ember falls on it, it won’t burn through.
Also, select a mat wide enough and the right shape to catch any spills or fire hazards.
If you’re grilling on a windy day
For any outdoor activity, it’s a good idea to know the weather forecast, especially if high winds are predicted.
If your deck has trees nearby, you’ll want to take special caution with your grill.
Monitor the wind’s direction before opening the lid. Place your grill at least 5 feet from any walls or banisters to avoid sparks and embers getting too close.
If you have a two-story deck, you might be tempted to put the grill under it to protect against the wind.
However, you don’t want smoke to damage your under-deck ceiling, or worse, cause a fire, so keep the grill out in the open.
There are many other wonderful ways to use your under-deck space beyond grilling
If you’re grilling around kids
Little people are at just the right height to be in great danger around grills.
Between the heat of the appliance and the possible spills and grease, the danger for a burn is high.
Make sure children and pets keep away from hot grills by putting gates in place to keep them at least 3 feet away at all times.
There are so many reasons to step away from the grill: phone calls, guests, and forgotten items in the kitchen.
But an unattended grill, especially with children present, is a dangerous one.
Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
For any grill: Keep it clean
Always keep your grill clean and as grease-free as possible.
The National Fire Protection Association states that the leading causes of fire related to a grill is a combination of three things: failing to clean it, leaving it unattended and placing it too close to your home.
Take time to clean your grill regularly. Be sure if you’re using a bristle brush to remove any metal scraps before you grill again.
Use a drip pan or water pan under your grill to catch flammable grease, especially caused by fatty cuts such as pork shoulder or ribs.
A drip pan also makes cleanup easier and helps prevent any fiery flareups.
Additional safety tips
Though it can be tempting to put the grill close to the house to quickly access the kitchen, it needs to be at least 5 feet from any walls.
Additionally, ensure your grill has proper ventilation; never use in an enclosed space.
Finally, always keep a fire extinguisher nearby, even if you’re a grill master. Make sure it’s fully charged and ready to use. Baking powder can also be useful in case of a grease fire.
Never put water on a grease fire.
Enjoy!
Now that you’ve gotten safety squared away, you can fully enjoy the tastes of summer.
Try a new grilling recipe and pour yourself a cool drink. It’s time to celebrate!