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Basic Grill Safety For Your Backyard BBQ | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties to get your space back in shape.
If the summer season is your favorite time of year in Conway, you are not alone! We love the warm sunny days and extra time spent with friends and family just like you do. One of our favorite summer activities is to host BBQs and grill up some burgers and hot dogs.
While grilling may be more common at this time of year, it also brings about the rise in grill fires, which sometimes lead to house fires! In order to reduce your risk of starting an accidental fire while you are grilling, you have to prepare your space and be responsible for the flames.
Read on as our SERVPRO® of Conway & Faulkner Counties team explains some easy ways to stay safe and fire-free while you are whipping up your famous BBQ ribs or grilled chicken.
The first thing you need to ensure is that your work space is safe and set up outside. You may be thinking that is obvious, but this also includes avoiding your garage and any roof overhangs completely. A grill that can’t vent properly is a health hazard and if it is underneath anything combustible, the heat could start your house on fire.
A good place to set up your grilling spot is a concrete pad or the center of your driveway if it is level. A 10-foot radius from your siding or wooden railings of your deck add an extra layer of protection. Aim to keep pets and kids out of this barrier as well.
Next up, it is time to inspect your specific grill. If you have a charcoal grill, check the drum for any dents or deformities and clean out any ash from the tray catch. If you have a propane grill, be sure that all gas lines are secure and your propane tank isn’t dented or cracked. A leaky tank or gas line is a huge safety concern and can also lead to a dangerous fire situation.
Now that you are ready to grill, stay there and grill! Don’t leave your post while you have food on the grill and the flames are hot. Keep a water source like your hose nearby just in case, and consider having a spray bottle on hand to knock down small sparks or a wandering flame.
When you are done grilling and ready to shut everything down, hand off the plate of food and start shutting off burners and closing propane tanks, or scatter the coals and close the vents to cut off the oxygen supply. Once cooled, remove the ashes and put them in a metal can nearby. Check on your grill one more time before going to bed to ensure everything is off and your grill is cool to the touch.
We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer season here in the Conway area! If you do wind up suffering fire damage, remember that SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is always here for you.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties for a fast restoration.