Being aware of grilling safety tips can help you protect your home and family whenever you fire up the grill or smoker.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) an average of 19,700 patients a year go to emergency rooms because of grill-related injuries. Thermal burns make up almost half of these injuries.
Grills are involved in roughly 9000 home fires each year. The major causes are leaks and breaks.
I am fortunate to not have experienced any accidents or injuries in over 40 years of grilling and smoking food. All the things I leaned from others about grilling growing up were based on doing things the right and safe way.
Most accidents and injuries can be prevented. Regardless of the type of grill you own, here are 19 grilling safety tips that will help you avoid a grilling disaster.
Keep reading to find out what they are.
1. Never use charcoal and propane grills indoors
These grills should never be used indoors. Trust me, it is a disaster waiting to happen. If you don’t start a fire you will most likely create a lot of carbon monoxide that can be deadly to everyone in your house or apartment.
2. Check things out
Check the manufacturer’s packaging for basic safety tips before setting your grill up for the first time. If you have an extended warranty on your grill, find out if it covers damage from accidents.
Make sure your grill is well maintained. Parts should not be rusted, broken, or warped.
For gas grills, verify the gas line is in good condition with no breaks or cracks. Inspect the propane tank for rust, dents or other damage.
3. Make sure your grill is clean
Clean your grill after each use to remove grease and grime. A dirty grill is a magnet for germs and bacteria. Bacteria can spread quickly over time, making your grill unhealthy for your family.
Rust is the major indicator of poor grill care. Keeping your grill clean will keep the rust away from your grill and out of your body. You can reduce the likelihood of rust even more by applying a thin coat of cooking oil to grill surfaces after cleaning.
4. Make sure everyone has a safe space
Keep your grill away from your home. Place it in a low-traffic area which is at least 10 feet from flammable structures and yard debris. Avoid low hanging tree branches and hedges.
Make sure the grill is on a flat surface to reduce the chance of it tipping over.
Choose a location where the grill is visible through windows and doors in the house. It is crucial that you can see the grill even if you aren’t outdoors with it. Never underestimate the will of a curious child!
5. Let the coals cool
When you are finished grilling, allow enough time for charcoal to cool before disposing of it. Don’t take a chance of an accidental burn or an unwanted fire.
A good practice is to place the coals in a metal container before disposal.
6. Check for gas leaks before using propane grills
Gas leaks are the leading cause of gas-related fires. Gas grills contribute to a higher number of fires than charcoal grills.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to check the gas tank hose for leaks before using your grill. This usually involves applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
7. Never leave grill unattended
Never leave your grill unattended. If something bad happens you will not know right away. This delay may prevent you from correcting a problem before damage or a possible injury occurs.
Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case you need it.
8. Use a chimney starter to light coals
A chimney starter is the easiest way to light charcoal. All you need is some newspaper and a match. This is an advantage over lighter fluid because there are no hazardous or unhealthy chemicals.
One thing to consider is the heat and smoke will rise while the coals are starting. Like the grill itself, you don’t want to place the starter under overhangs or near other flammable structures. It will be hot after use so place it in a safe spot.
9. Don’t put lighter fluid on a fire
Never add lighter fluid or any other flammable liquid to the fire.
At times the coals may not burn evenly or hot enough. Squirting lighter fluid on them is not the solution.
The fluid will vaporize quickly. These vapors are highly flammable and can ignite someone’s clothing, hair or other items near the grill.
10. Open the lid before lighting a gas grill
Lighting a gas grill with the lid closed allows gas fumes to build up inside. This increases the chance for an explosion.
If you turn the gas on with the lid closed, turn it off and open the lid. Allow five minutes for the gas to disperse and attempt to light the grill again.
11. Never store propane tanks indoors
Never store propane tanks in a shed, garage, basement, attic or bring indoors for any reason. Only store them in a dry, open, well-ventilated area outdoors.
Don’t take unnecessary risks, even if you think the tank is empty. Leave it outside!
12. Keep children and pets away
Keep children and pets at least 3 feet from your grill. They don’t understand grilling hazards and the potential for accidents and injuries. It is our job as grownups to protect them.
According to the NFPA, children under five account for roughly 38% of the contact-type burns each year. That represents 2000 children each year who bump into, touch or fall on a grill, part of a grill or hot coals.
13. Do not lean over the grill when cooking
Resist any temptation to lean over your grill. I really can’t think of any reason to lean over a hot grill. Your chances of having a grill accident and making an unnecessary trip to the hospital will go up significantly if you do this.
14. Don’t overload your grill with food
Leave some space between food items. Overloading your grill increases the chance for flare ups. A flare up on a crowded grill can burn up a lot of food fast.
When you overload your grill the food will take longer to cook. Cooking in several batches will provide better results than one large batch.
15. Have a spray bottle nearby
Flare ups are common when cooking on the grill. Fat from the meat drips onto the grill surface. This causes a section of the grill to ignite while the fat burns away.
This can lead to a fire outside the grill. Fill a spray bottle with water to extinguish these flare ups while they are small.
16. Be prepared for a fire
There is always a chance that a fire will start.
Always be ready by having a fire extinguisher nearby just in case. They are easy to use and readily available.
17. Dress for the occasion
It is a good idea to avoid long sleeves and loose fitting clothing when cooking on the grill. Don’t wear items that can catch fire easily if you get too close to the fire.
Tie any apron strings back away from the front of your body. Stop, drop, cover and roll if your clothes catch fire.
18. Use the right cords
Use an outdoor extension cord with an electric grill or accessories. Ensure that it is properly grounded to prevent an electric shock accident.
19. Shut down your grill correctly
Always wait for your grill to cool off before attempting to move it or place a protective cover on it.
If you have a gas grill, turn off the burners and the fuel supply. For a charcoal grill, wait for the coals to go out and cool down completely. Unplug electric grills from the power receptacle.
The bottom line
Grilling is a common activity that millions of people enjoy every day. But, there are serious risks that must be accounted for. Grilling accidents cause serious injuries and fires every year.
It is important to practice grilling safety to ensure your grilling experience is safe and enjoyable. Being aware of these grilling safety tips is a good start.
Hamburgers, hotdogs and steaks are grill favorites. But, you can turn your grill into a smoker and cook Boston butt, beef brisket or smoked turkey. Check out our guide, Turn Your Kettle Grill Into a Smoker in 9 Easy Steps to learn how.
