Gas Grill Safety for the Summer

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

Nothing beats grilling in the summer - just stay safe.

It’s summertime, and at the time of writing, we’re approaching heat indices of over 100 degrees here in Western New York. Nobody wants to get stuck in the kitchen in that kind of weather, so many people are either ordering takeout or firing up the grill in the backyard. And while everyone loves gathering around the grill and flipping burgers, you have to remember that gas grills can be a huge fire hazard if not handled safely.

How do you grill safely? We’ll tell you.

Propane Tank Safety

The propane tank is a big potential hazard, especially since many people rent their tanks from gas stations and convenience stores. Those tanks are not always thoroughly checked and repaired before they’re rented back out, which can lead to issues for home grillers.

Check your tank before use for damage, wear, rust and dents. If you find damage, do not use that tank. If you’re filling the tank yourself, you should also be sure that you don’t overfill it.

Even if your tank isn’t damaged, you should still be careful with placement. Keep the tank at least 10 feet away from anything combustible and keep children away from it as well. When not in use, keep the tank outdoors an in upright position, but move it away from your grill just to be safe. You should also ensure that the valve is turned to the “off” position.

Gas Grill Safety

Before you start to cook, make sure your grill has no gas leaks. To check, spray soapy water on the grill fitting and switch the gas on. If you see bubbles forming, that means there’s a leak and that you should refrain from grilling until it is fixed. Even if the grill fitting is fine, there may be leaks on the hose – check there as well.

Make sure your grill is clean before you fire up the flame. Everything from old food grease to dead bugs can cause blockages in your grill, which can lead to serious issues as you cook. The grill should be set in a level, well-ventilated outdoor space to ensure proper circulation. If you have proper ventilation and you still smell gas, get away from the grill, grab a fire extinguisher and call the fire department – you might have a leak on your hands.

Hopefully, by following these tips, you’ll prevent any issues with your gas grill. However, if you’ve got fire or smoke damage stemming from a grill fire, we’re here to help – call SERVPRO of West Seneca/Lancaster at 716-674-1103 today!