Burgers, kebobs and barbecue, oh my! How to grill safely on your deck
One of the many pleasures of summer is grilling outdoors, enjoying an evening breeze and the delectable aroma of dinner. Think of the many savory dishes you can concoct: juicy burgers, creative kebobs and smoky barbecue, just to name a few. Is your mouth watering yet?
As you look forward to the summer weekends ahead, don’t let visions of grilled deliciousness keep you from thinking of safety. Yes, deck safety can help keep you and your home out of harm’s way.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that 7 out of every 10 U.S. adults have a grill or smoker, which is a scrumptious statistic that also translates to an increased risk of home fires. From 2014 to 2018, there were about 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year. July is the month with the highest instance of grilling fires.
What do you need to know to avoid being a statistic? Read on for 10 grilling safety tips.
1) Use a mat
Probably the most important safety measure is to place a mat below your grill, especially on a wood deck. Choose a product that is safe enough that if an ember falls on it, it won’t burn through. Also, select a mat wide enough and the right shape to catch any spills or fire hazards.
2) Keep it clean
Make sure you keep your grill clean and as grease-free as possible. The National Fire Protection Association warns that the leading causes of fire related to a grill is a combination of three things: failing to clean it, placing it too close to your home, and leaving it unattended. Take time to clean your grill regularly.
3) Check for leaks
Gas grills actually have a higher instance of causing fires than charcoal. One important safety measure is to check your propane tank for any leaks: Apply a light soap-and-water solution to the hose. If you have a leak, you will see bubbles. If you
smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call 911. Before lighting a gas grill, always make sure the top is open.
4) Remember the drip pan
Use a drip pan or water pan under your meat. This will catch a lot of flammable grease, especially caused by fatty cuts such as ribs or pork shoulder. A drip pan also makes cleanup easier and helps prevent any dangerous flareups.
5) Keep away children and pets
Make sure little ones and unsuspecting pets keep away from hot grills by putting gates in place to keep them at a safe distance. They should be at least 3 feet away from the grill at all times.
6) Watch for winds
It’s always a good idea to know the weather forecast, especially if high winds are predicted. If your deck has trees nearby, you’ll want to take special caution if winds pick up. Monitor the wind’s direction before opening the lid. If you have a two-story deck, you might be tempted to put the grill under it to protect against the wind. However, you don’t want smoke to damage your under-deck ceiling, or worse, cause a fire, so keep the grill out in the open. There are many other wonderful ways to use your under-deck space beyond grilling.
7) Place the grill in the best possible spot
Finding the perfect place for your grill requires balancing convenience and safety. On the one hand you’ll want to keep the grill near your food prep area; on the other hand, the grill should not be against the house or siding. Additionally, a windy day can increase the likelihood of stray sparks, so place your grill at least 5 feet from any walls or banisters. Make sure your grill has proper ventilation when you find the right spot.
8) Never leave the grill unattended.
There are so many reasons to step away from the grill: phone calls, guests, and forgotten items in the kitchen. But an unattended grill is a dangerous one.
9) Take care with charcoal
While charcoal grills cause less fires, they should also warrant caution. If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid, and never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. When you are done grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
10) Store a fire extinguisher nearby
Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby, even if you’re a grill master. Make sure it’s fully charged and ready to use. Baking powder can also be useful in case of a grease fire. Never put water on a grease fire!
Enjoy all the flavors of summer but keep safe. You’ll be glad you prepped for what’s possible and lowered the risk for you and your guests!
