Summertime means a chance to slow down, unwind, and fire up those steaks on the barbecue. However, before you take the grill out of the garage and purchase new coals, you should know about some statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). According to them, the months of June and July are peak times for home fires to occur. An average of over 8,000 homes suffered fire damage from outdoor grills in 2006-2010 alone. Read on for tips on barbecue safety and what you can do to protect your home and loved ones from fires this season.
1. Test Your Home Alarm System
Whether or not you have any cookouts this summer, there should be a working fire detection system in your home. Install a smoke detector in every room of the house, including hallways. Replace batteries in smoke detectors and test them for operating capacity. The best security systems also can detect for carbon monoxide and will work even through an electrical power outage.
2. Clean Grills Before Operating
Both gas and charcoal grills should be cleaned and inspected every year before use. Check for grease deposits in the grill pit and around handles and dials. If using a gas grill, clean the hose with soapy water and check for possible propane leaks. Do not use if you smell gas or see soap actively bubbling.
3. Keep Your (Grill) Distance from the House
Outdoor grills should be at least ten feet away from the structure of your home. This way, if fire or excess smoke does occur, you will have time to extinguish it before it has a chance of catching onto a flammable structure. Keep grills away from low-hanging vegetation and shrubs for the same reason.
4. Never Leave the Grill Unattended
Even the best security systems won't protect you if you don't exercise precaution. Always stay near a lit grill and never allow children or pets to come closer than three feet from its location. Keep a phone on hand in case you need someone from inside the house to bring grilling items out to you.
5. Do Not Mix Starter Fluids
If using charcoal fluid on a grill, stick with one type only. Mixing starter fluids or adding other flammable compounds can lead to a combustion or release harmful chemicals into the air. In addition, do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire. If the fire is dying down, let it extinguish or turn the grill off (if using electric) before reigniting it.
6. Let Your Grill Cool Down Completely When Finished
Never bring a warm grill indoors or close to the home immediately after using. Wait until the coals have died down completely or, in the case of an electric grill, unplug and wait a few hours for the grill to be cool. When disposing of charcoal, make sure that they are completely cooled beforehand. Dampen them with water as a further precaution.
Employing these tips, as well as using a home alarm system, can significantly reduce your chances of having a grill fire accident this summer. For more information on fire safety tips, as well as knowledge of the best security systems, consult the professionals at Priority 1 Security.
1. Test Your Home Alarm System
Whether or not you have any cookouts this summer, there should be a working fire detection system in your home. Install a smoke detector in every room of the house, including hallways. Replace batteries in smoke detectors and test them for operating capacity. The best security systems also can detect for carbon monoxide and will work even through an electrical power outage.
2. Clean Grills Before Operating
Both gas and charcoal grills should be cleaned and inspected every year before use. Check for grease deposits in the grill pit and around handles and dials. If using a gas grill, clean the hose with soapy water and check for possible propane leaks. Do not use if you smell gas or see soap actively bubbling.
3. Keep Your (Grill) Distance from the House
Outdoor grills should be at least ten feet away from the structure of your home. This way, if fire or excess smoke does occur, you will have time to extinguish it before it has a chance of catching onto a flammable structure. Keep grills away from low-hanging vegetation and shrubs for the same reason.
4. Never Leave the Grill Unattended
Even the best security systems won't protect you if you don't exercise precaution. Always stay near a lit grill and never allow children or pets to come closer than three feet from its location. Keep a phone on hand in case you need someone from inside the house to bring grilling items out to you.
5. Do Not Mix Starter Fluids
If using charcoal fluid on a grill, stick with one type only. Mixing starter fluids or adding other flammable compounds can lead to a combustion or release harmful chemicals into the air. In addition, do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire. If the fire is dying down, let it extinguish or turn the grill off (if using electric) before reigniting it.
6. Let Your Grill Cool Down Completely When Finished
Never bring a warm grill indoors or close to the home immediately after using. Wait until the coals have died down completely or, in the case of an electric grill, unplug and wait a few hours for the grill to be cool. When disposing of charcoal, make sure that they are completely cooled beforehand. Dampen them with water as a further precaution.
Employing these tips, as well as using a home alarm system, can significantly reduce your chances of having a grill fire accident this summer. For more information on fire safety tips, as well as knowledge of the best security systems, consult the professionals at Priority 1 Security.
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