Using Your Grill Safely | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Oh, sweet summer. Is there anything better? Even if you dread the Alabama humidity, you have to appreciate the bountiful gardens and lush green atmosphere the lazy days of summer brings. Summer is also the perfect time to cook outdoors, throwing some burgers on the grill while you watch the kids run through the sprinkler.
Grilling is a pretty common thing to do here in Talladega, but it can also create a dangerous situation rather quickly. Grills are a leading cause of fire in the summer season, and it is almost always because of improper use that the fire begins in the first place. SERVPRO® of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties is here to make sure you can enjoy every moment of the summer sun without worry.
In order to make your backyard a safe place to play and cook all season, select a good place to set up your grill. Grills should always be in an open, outdoor space with no overhang or low hanging tree limbs nearby. Even though Talladega sees a lot of rain, you should still keep your grill out of the garage.
Choose a spot that is away from any structures on your property, and create a 10-foot radius around it. Teach your animals and your children that this is a no-playing zone so you can prevent accidents.
Charcoal grills should be emptied and cleaned after every use. Check the body of the grill for holes or other signs of wear and tear, and watch for buildup of grease. Propane and other gas fed grills should also be inspected well before each use, ensuring connections are tight and there are no leaks in the gas lines.
After you have chosen the perfect spot and given your grill a good inspection, take a minute to make sure you have the right tools to keep things under control while you cook. A squirt bottle with water can tame any wild flames that flare, but you should also have a fire extinguisher or garden hose somewhere nearby that you can grab quickly in the event of an emergency.
After you are finished cooking, let someone else take on the responsibility of putting plates together while you shut down the grill. Turn off the gas and burners, or close vents on a charcoal grill to smother flames.
Once you are safely able to do so, you should remove ashes and leftover charcoal. These can spark and catch fire with very little heat, so it is best to remove them altogether and dispose of them in a metal can. Check your grill before you head to bed for the night and ensure it has cooled down well.
Talladega summers are some of the best days you can have, and you deserve to enjoy them safely. Take the time to keep your grilling in check, and call SERVPRO when flames get out of control for quick restoration.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties for a fast restoration.