We are well into the spring months and you can start to smell the savoury scent of grilled BBQ and burgers in the air. Even though it is not officially summer yet, this hot and sunny weather makes us want to get our grills out and enjoy the outdoors. As June is National Safety Month, we thought we would share some grilling safety tips to help us prepare for any risks involved. We think everything tastes better when grilled and knowing these guidelines will help us make the most of our grilling. Here are our top 5 safety guidelines to guarantee a fun and safe barbecue party.
• Read the owner’s manual
The simplest, yet often forgotten, guideline is to read the instructions first. Typically, there are also safety guidelines included in the manual that can be helpful in ensuring your safety and the people around you.
• Grills are for outside only
Grills are never for indoor use and when setting up, make sure your grill is in an open area and away from walls or any combustible objects that could easily catch fire or melt, such as dry leaves or vinyl siding.
• Keep grill stable
It is important to keep the grill on even ground. This will ensure the hot grill is stable and will not be tipped over. Never attempt to move a hot grill. It is easy to stumble or drop it and could result in serious burns.
• Materials to use
Use barbecue utensils with long handles to avoid burns and splatters. In terms of clothing, make sure you are not wearing shirts that have hanging tails and your apron strings are properly tied to avoid catching fire. Don’t forget to use flame-retardant mitts to protect your hands from the heat. Also, consider placing a grill pad or splatter mat beneath your grill to protect your deck or patio from any grease.
• Be ready to extinguish flames and never leave a grill unattended once lit
When setting up your grill, make sure you have easy access to a garden hose or fire extinguisher. You can also use baking soda to control a grease fire. Just make sure you never leave a grill unattended once lit to ensure you can respond quickly in case of a fire.
Being cautious and prepared for any risks involved with grilling ensures you’ll get the most fun out of your grilling. So get those grills out, call your friends and have a fun and safe barbecue party!