Summer Smells.. Cook Out Time

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

It looks tasty, remember to use precaution.

The weather is warming up in South Eastern Wisconsin, and you can mentally smell the BBQ food you’re eager to cook outside. Unfortunately, a grill fire can surprise you as something that wasn’t on the menu if you are ill-prepared. Before looking up new recipes or seasonings to try, it’s worth learning the basics of grill safety. 

Preparation Is the Key to Prevention

After ensuring the grill’s footing is stable and removing low-hanging tree branches and other flammable items near the grill, it’s time to start your grill the safe and proper way:

• Gas grills: Check the connections on both ends of the gas tank to make sure they are tight. After securing the connectors, coat the hose with a 50/50 water and soap solution before turning the grill on while its lid is open. If you witness any bubbles on the soapy hose during this test, immediately turn off the grill and have it serviced because those leaks put you at risk for a grill fire.

• 
  Charcoal grills: A charcoal grill should be safely lit only with charcoal starter fluid or a charcoal chimney starter. Using other flammable liquids instead, a fire can get out of hand and cause flare-ups that can spread to your residence or cause BBQ smoke damage. 
  
  Meat Temperature Shouldn’t Be the Only Thing Monitored While Cooking
  
  While cooking outside, exercise vigilance by following these tips to prevent a BBQ fire:
  
  • Supervise the grill until it is off
  • Turn the grill off if you suddenly smell gas
  •     Call emergency services if a gas smell doesn’t subside after turning the grill off
  •     Wear clothing that has no loose or hanging parts that could catch fire
• Women make sure you tie your long hair back
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it

If Fire Spreads Despite Precaution 

Following these tips, most accidents can be prevented. If a grill fire occurs and cannot be contained with an extinguisher, contact your local emergency number. If the fire damages your property, a professional fire restoration crew is worth considering to restore your home’s condition and remove any residual smoke smell and/or soot damage.