Memorial Day weekend is a time to honor the brave men and women who have served our country, and more often than not, celebratory activities include a backyard BBQ. Considering that May is also National Barbecue Month, we thought that now was the perfect time to remind everyone of some basic BBQ safety tips so that your Memorial Day weekend isn’t interrupted by a grilling disaster.
With help from the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Fire Administration, we’ve put together the following list of safety reminders for you:
- Never use a propane or charcoal BBQ grill inside your home. In case the weather doesn’t agree with your outdoor plans, have an alternative meal in mind that can be cooked indoors.
- Always position your grill a decent distance away from your home, deck, and low hanging branches.
- Make it a priority to have someone man the grill the entire time it’s in use.
- Ask children to stay away from the grilling area and keep pets inside while the grill is lit – at least a three foot safe zone is ideal.
- If your grill is propane, check the gas tank hose for leaks prior to using it. To do so, apply a solution of soap and water to the hose and then turn the propane tank on. If bubbles are visible, you have a leak and require the help of a professional.
- Also prior to lighting a gas grill, open it and make sure that it was cleaned well when last used.
- If as you cook you start to smell gas, turn off the gas tank immediately and step away from the grill.
- If your grill is charcoal, the only starter fluid that should be used is charcoal starter fluid.
- Clean your grill once you are done using it to get rid of any grease residue that can potentially start a fire.
- Only discard of coals after they have had enough time to cool down, and only place them in a metal garbage can that has a lid.
As a plumbing company that specializes in gas leak detection and repair, we know how especially important it is to be aware of gas leaks when using a propane grill – if anything seems unusual to you, stop cooking right away and wait to use the grill until a professional has taken a look!
All that said, we’re wishing everyone in Orange County a very happy and safe Memorial Day – please don’t forget these tips!
