Grilling Safety Tips

Grilling Safety Tips

 

Memorial Day begins the unofficial start of summer, and grilling season will soon be in full swing, so now is a good time to inspect the grill & prepare.

 

First, inspect the grill thoroughly.  Read the instruction manual that came with the grill (yes, you really can do that!) & follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  Hint: You can find the manuals to most grills and smokers on the manufacturer’s website.  Don't assume that your new grill works just like the last one and that all the same rules apply

 

Be prepared – Have an appropriate fire extinguisher nearby or at least baking soda for grease fires & a garden hose.  Remember water won’t put out a grease fire, but is good for other types of fire.   Know how to cut fuel supplies, extinguish fires and call the fire department. Have a phone handy if you need to call the fire department and a first aid kit for burns. 

NEVER leave the grill unattended.  

 

Location, Location, Location!

Location is extremely important when considering where to placing your grill.  Move the grill away from your home, garage or other building and out from under porch roof too. Be sure to look at the surrounding area – are there trees or debris that could ignite?  And be sure it’s not in the path of people or near where children are playing.

 

 

Charcoal Grills:
Charcoal grilling causes more fires than gas grills, often because people use a lot of lighter fluid to start the coals.  If you use lighter fluid, use it sparingly, spread it evenly, and allow it to soak in for a minute – you don’t want your food to taste like lighter fluid either!  Consider using a electric charcoal starter or charcoal chimney instead.

 

Gas Grills:

 

If your grill hasn’t been used recently, obstructions in the fuel line can cause a fire.  Inspect behind, underneath and inside your grill, since bugs and other unwanted guests can take up residence in the grill or gas line and block the flow.  If you suspect a problem, turn off your controls, turn off the fuel tank or gas line at the house, and disconnect everything.  Gas grills can become very hot & can easily melt anything they touch and cause severe burns to the griller too!

 

Food & Alcohol:

 

Smoke is an important part of grilling and can enhance the flavor of your food, but be careful.  Smoke contains carcinogens, and other dangerous substances, so try to avoid breathing it!  Cooking meat at very high temperatures until surface chars can cause cancer, so go slow – there’s no need to burn the meat! And once removed from the grill, meat will continue to cook as it cools, so you don’t want to overcook it!

 

Flare ups from grease are potentially dangerous. Grease collects in your grill and can build up if you don’t clean the grill regularly.

 

Bacteria can contaminate any kind of food and grows at any temperature above freezing and stays alive until that temperature hits at least 165 degrees F.  So keep your food refrigerated until you’re ready to cook it and then put any leftovers away promptly. 

 

Finally, Grilling requires your full attention, so hold off on cocktails until you’ve turned off the grill and can enjoy it over dinner.