Firing Up Safety: Grilling with Confidence this Season

As the weather warms up and the tantalizing aroma of grilled food fills the air, many homeowners eagerly prepare their grills for the season. However, it’s important to remember that grilling can also pose fire hazards if not done safely. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 9,000 home fires involve grills every year.

What to review

To ensure your grilling experiences are enjoyable and safe, follow these essential precautions:

• A dedicated business bank account and clean separation from personal spending.
• Bookkeeping that is updated consistently, not months late.
• Job costing by project.
• A process for tracking change orders.
• A regular review of receivables, payables, and upcoming obligations.

1. Strategic Grill Placement — Position your grill at least three feet away from any structures, such as your house, garage, or shed. This distance provides a buffer zone to prevent flames or heat from reaching flammable materials and igniting a fire. Many communities require over ten feet of distance in multifamily residences.
2. Avoiding Overhead Hazards — Never place your grill directly under your roof or overhangs, as these structures can trap heat and increase the risk of fire. Additionally, avoid positioning your grill near tree limbs or other overhanging vegetation that could ignite from the grill’s heat.
3. Check Fuel Sources and Connections — Before each use, inspect propane tanks, hoses, and connections for cracks, corrosion, or leaks. A simple soapy water test on the connections can reveal a leak — if bubbles form, turn off the gas and have the connection repaired before grilling. For charcoal grills, let ashes cool completely and dispose of them in a metal container away from anything flammable.
4. Never Leave a Lit Grill Unattended — Flare-ups can happen in seconds, especially with fatty foods or high heat. Stay within sight of the grill the entire time it's lit, and keep children and pets a safe distance away.
5. Keep a Fire Extinguisher or Water Source Nearby — A working fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of sand should be within reach any time you're grilling. Grease fires should never be doused with water — smother the flames with baking soda, sand, or a metal lid, or use a Class B or ABC extinguisher.
6. Clean Grease and Food Buildup Regularly — Grease and food residue that build up in the grill or drip tray are a common cause of flare-ups. Clean the grates and trays after every few uses, and check hoses and burners for grease buildup before the start of grilling season.