When the sun is out and the smell of barbecue fills the air, it’s easy to forget that a grill can also be a fire hazard.
Get your safety game on point with these essential tips to make sure you can grill safely all season long.
Placement
Always keep your grill or barbecue outside — never indoors.
Place it in an open area like a deck or patio, at least 10 feet away from anything flammable such as siding, eaves, plants, or leaves.
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Keep it level and stable so it doesn’t tip over.
Create a safe zone
Barbecues are fun for the whole family, but they need to be safe.
Set up a safety zone of about 3 meters around the grill and keep children and pets out of this area to prevent distractions and accidental burns.
Clean your grill thoroughly
Before you light up, make sure your grill is completely clean. Use a grill brush to remove any grease buildup.
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Old grease is highly flammable and can cause dangerous flare-ups.
Check for gas leaks
If you have a gas grill, always check the hoses and connections for leaks before you start.
Mix soap and water, rub it on the connections, and turn on the gas. If you see bubbles forming, you have a leak that needs fixing.
Open the lid before lighting
Never light a gas grill with the lid closed. A closed lid traps gas, which can cause a dangerous flare-up when ignited.
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If you’re using charcoal, don’t add lighter fluid after the grill is already lit.
Don’t overload the grill
Don’t pack your grill with too much food at once. Too much meat or fat can drip down, starting a grease fire.
Spread out your food evenly to let heat circulate properly.
Use a meat thermometer
Charcoal and gas grills can have hot and cold spots, so your food may look done even if it’s not.
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Use a thermometer to check the core temperature and avoid any risk of food poisoning.
Never leave the grill unattended
One of the biggest causes of grill fires is leaving the grill without supervision. Always stay nearby so you can act quickly if anything unexpected happens.
Shut down the right way
When you’re finished grilling, turn off the grill and shut off the gas supply.
For charcoal grills, close the vents and let the coals cool for 48 hours before disposing of them in a metal container with a tight lid.
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Store your grill safely
When storing your grill, make sure all controls are off and the propane valve is closed. Keep gas tanks upright and away from heat sources.
Check your grill twice a year for rust, leaks, or other maintenance issues to keep it safe.
Artiklen er baseret på informationer fra WebMD.com.