Stay Safe While Grilling This Summer

There’s nothing like the smell of a grill on a warm summer day! It’s the perfect time for families and friends to gather and enjoy backyard games and grilled cuisine. It’s also that time of the year when we hear about injuries sustained from unsafe practices related to outdoor cooking accidents. It’s important to maintain safety all season with proper measures to keep you, your home, and your family safe!
Did you know?
July (16%) was the peak month for grill fires, followed by June (14%), May (12%) and August (11%) and gas grilles were involved in an average of 9,079 home fires per year, including 4,454 structure fires and 4,625 outdoor fires annually.1
General Grilling Safety Tips
1. Location Matters:
Always place your grill outside, away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches. A minimum distance of 10 feet from any structure is recommended to prevent accidental fires.
2. Stable Setup
Ensure your grill is on a flat, stable surface to avoid tipping.
3. Keep it clean
Regularly clean your grill by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays below.
Additional Tips
1. Fire Extinguisher Ready
Keep a fire extinguisher, water supply, or a bucket of sand nearby in case of an emergency. Knowing how to quickly and safely extinguish a fire can prevent a small incident from becoming a disaster.
2. Dress Appropriately:
Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire easily. Opt for well-fitted clothes and use long-handled tools to keep your distance from the flames.
3. Inform Guests
If you have guests, especially children, make sure they are aware of the grill’s location and the importance of staying a safe distance away.
Grilling is a wonderful way to enjoy the summer weather and spend time with family and friends. By following these safety tips from the NFPA, you can ensure that your grilling experiences are both delicious and safe. But accidents can happen and when they do, The Family Security Plan® Accident Insurance has you covered! Learn more about our Accident Insurance by visiting our website today.