Millions of American families celebrate the unofficial start of summer with Memorial Day picnics and barbeques. Keeping safe while using barbeque equipment, including gas and charcoal grills, is the best way to prevent accidents and serious injuries from ruining your holiday.
Here are some simple safety rules to follow before hosting a holiday barbeque:
Properly Maintain Your Barbeque Grill
Before using your charcoal or gasoline grill, inspect it to make sure all components are functioning properly. All grills should be cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of grease or fat which can easily ignite. If you are using a gas grill, be sure to check for gas leaks that can occur from loose fitting connections or tiny holes in a gas line.
Situate Your Grill in a Safe Location
While many people place their grill close to their homes for convenience reasons, this is often not the safest location. At a minimum, grills should be located 10 feet away from any portion of a home, including its carports, garages, and porches. Avoid using grills under wooden overhangs which could catch fire easy.
Grills should also be placed far away from paper and plastic decorations such as hanging baskets, pillows, or table umbrellas. Most importantly, never use a grill inside a house, tent, or camper, as it poses a deadly carbon monoxide hazard.
Follow the Operational Instructions for Your Grill
Follow the operating instructions for your grill at all times. Grills should not be overloaded with foods that could result in fat drips that may lead to fires. When turning on a gas grill, make sure the grill lid remains open. Starting the grill with a closed lid is major cause of grill fires. When grilling, always remain at the grill. Leaving your grill to prep other food or entertain guests is never worth the risk of a small flare turning into a serious fire.
Be Prepared for the Worst
Minor flare ups can occur even when grilling equipment has been properly maintained. Keeping a small spray bottle of water next to the grill is essential for preventing a minor flare up from becoming a major fire. Quickly spraying water on flares will calm down the flames, without affecting the taste of your meal.
By always having properly working fire extinguishers on hand, you can be prepared for a worst-case scenario. Quick action can prevent a disaster before it starts.
Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyers at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. Help Accident Victims Obtain Compensation for Their Injuries
If you or your loved one has been injured as a result of faulty equipment, including charcoal or gas barbeque grills, compensation may be available for your injuries. At Folkman Law Offices, P.C. our experienced Cherry Hill personal injury lawyers can help you throughout all stages of the litigation process. Our offices are conveniently located in Cherry Hill as well as Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, to serve clients throughout the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas. To schedule a free consultation, call 856-354-9444 or contact us online.
