Grill Fires - Dartmouth 02747

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Summer is officially here, and with it comes cookouts, barbecues, and good ole fashioned grilling. It’s the time of year where the hot dogs and hamburgers have a different taste to it, and patience wears thin as the smell coming from the grill makes our tummies rumble. 

Although, if the cook isn’t careful, that flavorful scent could soon turn in to smoke and flames if the grill has not been properly cleaned. Did you know that grill fires are responsible for roughly 100 injuries and 10 deaths per year? In addition to the danger they pose, they also cause roughly $37 million in damage each year. 

One of the main causes is the mishandling of propane grills. As popular as propane grills are, many forget the dangers it can cause if not handled properly. Here are a few summer grilling safety tips to ensure that only your meat is taking on the heat: 

1. Although it’s tempting to step out on your deck and grill right there — all grills should be at least 10 feet away from your house and shouldn’t be used on a combustible surface. A concrete pad is helpful in offering stability and lowering the risk of the fire spreading.

2. Check the hose and connection for leaks and blockages.

3. Check for bees! Bees will get inside of grills and create hives there. 

4. Clean your grill of built-up grease from previous uses. Cleaning your grill regularly also lowers the risk of flare-ups and fires. 

5. Be extra careful when changing the tank as this can be a biggest potential for a leak occur. 

6. Never leave the grill unattended and make sure children and pets are at a safe distance. 

7. Don’t pour water on grease fires! The water will quickly evaporate and cause more smoke, making it worse 

8. Make sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case. 

9. If you see that the fire is too much to handle, call 911 and evacuate.

10. Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South for all your fire damage cleanup and restoration needs. 

Happy (and safe) grilling!