Grilling in the backyard with gas seems very safe. And it is. At least, it is until it isn’t. A grill fire is always a risk around a BBQ, either from someone not knowing what they’re doing or making simple mistakes. It can spread quickly and be a risk to your home and family.
Here are some gas grilling safety tips you can use year-round to keep everyone safe.
Tip #1: Grill on a flat, level surface.
A grill, like anything, can topple over. If it’s placed on a slope or uneven surface and a gust of wind comes along, it can tip. Your gas grills should be set on a stable surface level while cooking food and while it’s cooling off.
Tip #2: Don’t leave your gas grill unattended.
Most BBQ enthusiasts already know this. Don’t leave a grill of any type unattended. Someone helping you grill and bringing you what you need or taking away what you don’t is smart.
Barbecues use high heat and open flame for cooking food. Unattended, if the fire spreads, no one’s there to respond and eliminate the risk.
Tip #3: Wear grill-appropriate clothing.
Don’t wear long sleeves, anything that dangles over the fire, and no loose clothing. Being that close to an open flame, it’s easy for certain materials to catch on fire. Clothing can also interfere with the cooking process. Something as unremarkable as apron strings can fall into the grill if they’re not tied in the back.
Tip #4: Don’t grill in a covered space.
Don’t do any gas grilling in an open garage, under a covered balcony, or in any sort of covered area. A gas grill is made to be used strictly outdoors, not indoors. A covered space does not provide enough ventilation.
On top of that, it could put your grill up to combustible materials hanging over or in the nearby surroundings. A grill should always be somewhere clear and unobstructed.
Tip #5: Grill away from your home.
In a perfect world, your grill will be kept at least ten feet away from your home or any nearby structures. For a lot of people, this is an inconvenience. They want the grill close, especially as they bring out food and grill tools.
Just outside the backdoor or on your deck can potentially cause a hazard, though. Adjacent materials can easily heat and cause a fire to start. Should you decide to keep a gas grill close to your home, evaluate the surroundings for safety hazards.
Tip #6: Clean your gas grill after use.
An important gas grilling safety tip is to clean when you’re done grilling. Especially if you grill regularly, all sorts of debris can build up on the grill plates. Grease is the biggest risk. If it’s not cleaned out properly, fuel is waiting to catch on fire when the grill is used. This will instantly burn your food.
Hopefully, that’s the worst that comes from it. It can also be the cause of a fast-spreading fire that could send your home up in flames. Long story short, clean your grill plates and grease tray.
Tip #7: Keep a spray bottle nearby.
Some people use a spray bottle. Others use a plastic cup of water. It’s common for any grill to flare up as the fat drips from meat during a cook. This can cause flames as the fat burns away. To have some control over that, keep a spray bottle nearby or a cup of water. This is your first line of defence against any unexpected burning. Any small flames you can extinguish quickly before they spread.
Tip #8: Check the line for a gas leak.
You might store your gas grill away for winter and then pull it out come late spring for your first barbecue of the season. When you do, check the grill line for any leaks. Sometimes, a leak can cause gas to build up inside the BBQ when the lid is closed with natural gas.
When you ignite the flame and aren’t aware of the buildup, this creates a massive flare. This is why it’s recommended to always open your BBQ lid before lighting and give a grill a look-over when pulling it out.
Tip #9: Don’t be negligent.
Diligence is one of the most important gas grilling safety tips. More than anything, always pay attention when you’re grilling. Annually, hundreds of home fires are started by grills, and there are more than 1,900 emergency room visits in Canada every year that stem from grilling-related injuries.
It could happen to anyone, even an experienced BBQer. If you aren’t watching closely what’s in front of you, things can quickly get out of control.
Tip #10: Know where the fire extinguisher is.
If a fire does break out and you’re out of options, know where the fire extinguisher is. Have it a reasonable distance away and within reach. They’re fairly affordable, small, compact, and easy to use.
A fire extinguisher is a necessary addition to anyone’s gas grill and, in the worst-case scenario, maybe the only thing that keeps you, your family, and your home safe.