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Firing Up Your Barbecue Grill, Safely | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to get your space back in shape.
It’s sweet summertime, and we are right with you enjoying the sunny days and time spent outside with family and friends. The summer season is the perfect time of year to dust off your backyard grill and grill up your favorite burgers and hot dogs, but before you tie on your grillmaster apron, be sure your grill and equipment are ready to use.
Improper use of a grill, whether it is charcoal or propane, can quickly lead to dangerous conditions and a potential fire situation. Our SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team wants you to enjoy your backyard BBQs without the risk of a fire, so read on to learn more.
The first rule that all Sussex homeowners need to follow is that your grill needs to stay outside. That might sound obvious, but that also includes keeping it out of your garage and out from underneath a roof overhang. Your grill needs to be able to properly vent, and anything combustible above the heat and smoke can easily catch on fire.
Now that it is outside, keep it far away from your house and siding. A good rule of thumb is to set it up 10 feet away from the side of your house or wooden railing along your deck. This barrier should also be a kid-free and pet-free zone in order to keep everyone safe.
If you have a charcoal grill, clean out any ash buildup and check the grill for dents or cracks. Propane grills also need a thorough inspection. Check the gas lines for leaks and make sure the connections are secure. A leaky line or propane tank is a huge fire hazard and a potentially really dangerous situation.
Stay close by your grill while you are cooking and keep a water source nearby just in case. A spray bottle can help tame any flame flare-ups, and you should have your hose or fire extinguisher ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Once your food is done, hand off the steaming plate to someone else to bring inside because your job is not done yet! Turn off the gas and shut off the burners, or close the vents for your charcoal grill to remove the oxygen supply. You should also get in the habit of disposing of ash and embers in a metal can, as they can lead to a fire long after the grill flames are out. Before you head in for the night, check your grill once more to ensure everything is cool.
We hope you enjoy a wonderful and safe summer making memories with your loved ones, but remember that SERVPRO® is here for you if a BBQ turns south at your Pewaukee area home and you wind up with frustrating fire damage to your home or property.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex for a fast restoration.