A sure sign that summer has indeed arrived is when apron-clad chefs, sizzling-hot BBQ grills, and a huge number of beef patties are commonplace.
It is during such times when friends and family come together to enjoy some grilled meat.
But as this is expected to happen again this year, unfortunately, accidents are bound to happen.
In the US alone, reports show that more than 7,000 individuals are injured while using backyard grills and barbecues every year.
The same equipment also causes as many as 8,900 flares alone.
Of course, the numbers could be even bigger and perhaps more heart-breaking in other parts of the world where grills are a must-have and BBQ is a formidable norm.
Of particular essence is how the huge number of barbecued aficionados seemingly aren’t aware of the best BBQ and grilling safety tips.
They don’t even know that it is the misuse of proper BBQ and grilling equipment only.
Perhaps, some of the fatalities are as a result of outright carelessness, including ignoring the basic safety tips.
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association report that over 61% of all American households own a gas grill with the other 41% and 10% owning charcoal grills and electric grills respectively.
The number of BBQ pits is even bigger given that summer is synonymous with cooking outdoors.
So, regardless of what you own, your safety is of great essence.
Your Ultimate List of Safe Summer Grill and Barbecue Tips
Observing basic safety measures like cleaning the grill and placing the BBQ pit in the right place go a long way in enhancing your wellness.
But they are just a snippet of what is herein.
So, before you wear that apron and bust out the spatulas and tongs and flip the meaty , take a moment and get accustomed with the following safety information.
Know Your Grill
Every grill comes with an Instructions Manual that highlights how to operate Barbecue equipment, how and where to store them and other important safety details.
Regardless of whether you are a guru in barbecuing or not, always review the manual occasionally.
By so doing, you will be getting to know how to bring out the best from your grill while also observing your safety.
Remember, barbecue grills of today aren’t identical and do come in two different types – charcoal and gas.
So, whichever you own, be sure to be very much familiar with it, including how it is operated.
If it is a gas BBQ grill, just check and tighten all the connections and ensure that there’s no gas leaking.
However, a charcoal grill would need that you keep it safe from rust.
Always ensure that you use the right amount of charcoal and ignite using the recommended fuel.
Do Not Attempt To Barbecue Indoors
Irrespective of how large the location indoors is or the type of grill you are using, never try to prepare your favorite chops and steak indoors.
Aside from the inevitable carbon monoxide build up, you would be risking burning the entire house.
Carbon monoxide is dangerous gas that accumulates to toxic levels in a closed environment, and indeed it has killed a countless number of people.
Grill or Barbecue Outside and Far Away From Physical Structures
Choosing where to grill at should be focused on an open place outdoors, not indoors.
At best, a place that’s 5-10 feet from the house and mainly away from trees and overhanging items should be okay.
Again, don’t set it up in a high traffic area or a crowded location.
Many people prefer to barbecue in the backyard because of the safe and ample space.
But if you live in an apartment with a balcony or rooftop where you can grill without any dangers, go right ahead.
However, don’t risk doing it when the weather isn’t favorable.
Make Sure the Grill Is Stable and Doesn’t Wobble
After choosing the most suitable location for barbecuing, don’t forget to ensure that the rack is stable.
A flat and even surface so that your grill won’t tip over and create a blaze.
However, if it is a grassy surface or anywhere that would potentially be risky, have the grill placed on a grill pad or splatter mat for stability and extra protection.
Wear the Right Outfit and Use the Correct Utensils
Personal safety comes first, and that’s why chefs wear aprons when grilling and barbecuing.
If you don’t have an apron, it would be still acceptable not to wear loose attire.
Any outfit that doesn’t dangle over the grill can be worn.
Additionally, when flipping the pieces of meat, use the right BBQ utensils.
Oven mitts, tongs and spatulas will help monitor the meatballs and ensure that they are evenly cooked while keeping your hands safe.
Never Turn on the Gas When the Grill’s Lid Is Closed
While lighting your grill, one paramount safety tip is to have the lid opened before turning the gas on.
Of course, you can only imagine how the gas builds up inside can be disastrous when lighting the pit.
Be Very Careful With Charcoal Starter Fuel
If a charcoal grill is your favorite piece of equipment, do use the right charcoal starter fluid.
But it’s always recommended that when the fire goes out, no extra fuel is to be added.
Instead, just use a newspaper or perhaps a chimney starter.
While Grilling, Do Not Overload the Grill with Fatty Meats
When the grill is finally working, do not overload it with fatty meats since too many fat drips on the flame can initiate a massive fire that could burn the whole area.
Primarily, grilling can be smoothly executed with a reasonable number of meat portions that are easy to flip and monitor.
Keep Pets and Kids Safe
Pets can get excited with the smell of well-cooked meat, while children can be driven by the urge to express themselves and show that they can grill too.
In fact, given a chance, any child will delight cooking and may inadvertently cause some major accidents.
A hot grill or barbecue isn’t good for kids and pets, and you should always keep them as distant away from it as possible.
Explain the dangers associated with grilling and let them know that they are unwelcome to anywhere near the already-lit barbecue.
Do Not Leave the Grill Unattended
When grilling, kids and pets often want to know what you are cooking.
Once you dash to the house and leave the grill unattended, their curiosity may compel them into trying to flip the meatballs.
Many accidents start that way and end up burning the entire area.
So, when cooking outdoors, don’t leave the grill unattended, especially when you don’t have anyone to keep watch.
Keep Decorations Away From the Grilling Area
There are a couple of reasons to barbecue in an open area.
One main reason is the need to prepare those delicacies in a safe and convenient environment that’s free from decorations hanging right above the flame.
Both natural and artificial decorations can fortuitously fall into the fire and trigger a calamity.
Be Ready To Put Out the Fire
Accidents and mishaps are part of outdoor cooking, and thus you should always be set and prepared to put out erratic flames. Some of the things to do include:
- Having a fire extinguisher close by when you are grilling.
- Bringing baking soda nearby to control a grease fire.
- A bucket of sand adjacent to the hot grill.
- At worst, a source of water.
Don’t Store the Grill While It Is Still Hot
Once you are done barbecuing and the charcoal flame has been thoroughly extinguished, store your BBQ pit.
If it is a gas grill, wait until it is warm before carrying it into the house.
Keep Your Barbecue Grill Clean
Being an ardent grilling junkie, I would assume that the surface of your grill has a large number of grease and fat build-up.
But it is always recommended that you clean it periodically because while the fat and grease build-ups are expected, they can trigger massive flares in the long run.
Check for Propane Leaks
At least, a huge percentage of BBQ and grilling accidents are directly linked to gas leaks.
That’s why you should always make sure that there are no gas leaks before lighting the grill.
The pungent smell of propane serves as the first hint of the leak, and you should do the repairs immediately.
Final Thoughts
Facts don’t lie – more than 7,000 individuals are injured due to BBQ and grilling.
A further 8,900 homes go up in smoke because of this traditional culture.
Would you like to stay safe and enjoy your grilled steak in peace?
Whether your favorite barbecue spot is right in the backyard of your house or out there while camping with your family, your safety and wellness should come first.
At home, be extremely careful with gas grills because they are infamous for wrecking an otherwise blissful summer get-together party.
Out there, be sure to apply all these easy-to-follow tips, and undoubtedly your vacation will be memorable.
