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Reduce Your Risk of a Fire Every Time You Fire Up the Grill | SERVPRO® of East Honolulu
3/1/2021 (Permalink)
If you have a grill fire that does damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us any time 24/7 808-395-9545
One of the most enjoyable things about our gorgeous weather is having ample opportunity to make use of your outdoor space and cook your favorite meals on the grill—but it is important to remember your fire safety skills every time you do. Any time an open flame is introduced, it is wise to be vigilant about preventing fires, even if you have grilled many times before.
The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that over 5,500 fires are a result of accidents with backyard grills every year, leading to property damages in the millions. With these grilling safety tips, you can significantly reduce your chances of ever being included in this statistic.
Create a safe zone around your grill. You want your grill to be centrally located so you have access to everything you need and are not removed from the fun, but it is important to not be too close to any flammable materials. A three-foot buffer free of pets, children and flammable items around the grill is recommended so that if a flare-up does occur, there is nothing for it to damage nearby.
Clean your grill grates often. The bits of stuck-on food on your grill grates do more than just make the cooking temperatures inconsistent—they can actually lead to a fire that quickly becomes out of control. Grease and other crumbs can ignite if they get hot enough, leading to a sudden flare-up. The good news is that a simple brush after each use of your grill can go a long way in preventing this.
Never leave the grill unattended. Just like you would never walk away from a pot on the stove, you should never turn your back on your grill. Even with the lid closed, it is possible that a fire starts and quickly becomes out of hand, so always keep an eye out and make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy.
Inspect the grill regularly. Because the gas connectors on a propane tank are typically hidden away, it can be easy to forget to take a look at them—but gas leaks can cause serious fires, so you should give them a once-over every time. The connection points and hoses can all fail with age, so a quick check can go a long way to prevent fires.
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.