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Safe Grilling Practices to Prevent a Fire | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee to get your space back in shape.
Summer time is cherished by all midwesterners—and for good reason! The warm and sunny days invite everyone to step outside and enjoy the weather. What better way to do that than to tie on your favorite apron and host a family BBQ in your backyard?
Did you know that July is the peak month for grill fires? Before you light your charcoal or turn on your propane grill, you need to set yourself up for success. Our SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee team wants you to stay safe and enjoy your event without the risk of fire, so read on to learn more about proper grill safety.
You are in charge of your grilling area, so you need to be sure the grill is in a safe location. Make sure it is outside and far away from your garage or any overhangs along your roof. Your grill needs to vent properly to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and it also needs to be positioned away from anything combustible above it that could catch on fire.
It also needs to be far from your home, siding and deck railing. A good rule is to aim for a 10-foot barrier around anything that could start on fire. This barrier should also include kids and pets, so be sure everyone in your party understands the grill zone.
If you have a charcoal grill, clear away ash buildup, check the drum for cracks or obvious dents and make sure the vent covers work and slide easily. If your family prefers a gas grill, take the time to fully inspect your gas lines. They should be secure against your tank and your grill. A single gas leak could lead to serious consequences and can create a dangerous situation in seconds.
Once the grill is hot and your food is on, stay close by! A grill fire can erupt at a moment’s notice, so you always need to be prepared. Keep a spray bottle filled with water ready to help tame flame flare-ups, and you should have your hose or fire extinguisher on standby as well.
After everything is done cooking, hand off the plate for someone else to bring in because you aren’t done with your grill duties just yet. Scatter the coals and close the vents on your charcoal grill, or turn off the burners and close the propane tank. If you have leftover ash or embers, wait until they are cooled and then move them to a metal can nearby. Once everyone has left and you are about to head in for the night, take one last look at your grill to ensure everything is off and cold to the touch.
Happy summer in the Milwaukee area! We wish you a great rest of your season, but remember that SERVPRO of West Milwaukee is here for you if a fire gets out of hand and you are left with home or property damage.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of West Milwaukee for a fast restoration.