Summertime Grilling Safety Tips

Safety Tips for Safe Backyard Grilling

Peck-Glasgow Insurance

July 2011

The onset of summer brings with it many things – leisurely vacation and travel time, a much-anticipated wedding, celebratory cookouts, jet skis and boating – whatever perks the season may bring your way, it’s important to remember the accompanying insurance risks.

There are dozens of risk exposures associated with some of our beloved summer pastimes, but one of the most common and frequently overlooked is an American favorite-barbecues.

Did you know that each year Americans enjoy more than 3 billion barbeques?

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments have responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues pits; each year. On average, these summertime fires have resulted in an upwards of 120 injuries-in addition to causing an average of $80 million in property damage.

But, despite the risks involved we love to take part in summer grilling.so what can you do to avoid running into trouble?

The following are some of the most important safety tips to help you maintain a risk-free barbecues, whether you prefer gas or charcoal grilling:

. Always place your grill on a level surface at least 10 feet away from all other objects or structures such as your house, garage, landscaping, etc.
. Never use a grill in an enclosed space-not only can it induce fires, but can be deadly in regards to carbon monoxide poisoning.
. After grilling with charcoal, soak the coals in water and store in a metal container for proper disposal.
. After cooking on a gas grill, always turn off both the grill and the propane bottle.
. When grilling is complete, be sure to keep children and pets away from the grill until it is completely cooled.

For further barbecues safety tips, check out the NFPA’s instructional grilling video, aimed at making your barbecues experience as safe – and enjoyable – as possible!

All of us at Peck-Glasgow Insurance hope you enjoy your summer-whether you are simply grilling up a dinner for two or are hosting a large family cookout; keep these summertime barbecues tips in mind.