Fall is finally here and you know what that means – football season! One of the times we look forward to the most, football season combines so many of the things we love most about life. It combines a sacred national pastime with the company of good friends and family. It also means getting to enjoy delicious food, including tasty grilled steaks and burgers.
No matter how eager we are to get to the festivities and start enjoying our grilling events, we can’t forget the basics of grilling safety. Here are some tips for making sure you, your home, and your loved ones stay out of danger.
Be Prepared
Smart grilling enthusiasts understand that sometimes, no matter how careful you may be, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s important to be prepared in case your fire gets out of control. Start by investing in a fire extinguisher. (It’s a good idea to have one in your home anyway, as fires can start suddenly in the home for many reasons.) Also make sure your emergency numbers – like the number to the fire department – are always within easy access and that your entire family knows where they are. Add them to your cell phone as well.
Choose a Smart Location for Your Grill
As is the case with many things in life, location is very important when it comes to where you set your grill up as well. The great majority of fires and fire-related home damage comes about because someone chose an unsafe location for their grill, in fact. Check your grill’s manual to determine what the safe operating distances are for the make and model and follow them to the letter. Make sure there are no trees, trash, debris, or other items within an unsafe distance. Also take care to make sure children and animals don’t play to close to the grill.
Practice Wise Charcoal Safety
Although gas grills can certainly cause their share of accidents, it’s important to be especially careful with charcoal grills. Hot coals and lighter fluid can both heighten the likelihood of something untoward happening, so follow safe usage practices at all times. Lighter fluid especially can cause explosive situations that can relate in serious property damage or personal injury.
When everyone makes it a point to be safe and careful while grilling, we’re all guaranteed a safe and enjoyable football season with those we love most.