Grill Safety: 4 Tips to Help Keep Your Summer BBQ Safe

The weather we’ve all been waiting for is finally approaching: BBQ weather! 

Imagine it now, a warm and sunny summer day, hanging out with friends and family in the backyard, eating some good food and playing yard games. We don’t want to bring the mood down, but grill safety is very important when planning a summer BBQ. We want to share some BBQ safety tips so you can keep the good times rolling. 

For more summer party tips, check out our 5 Outdoor Entertaining Tips for the Best Summer Party Ever post. 

How do you grill safely? 

Nothing quite beats grilled food. Almost everything is better when cooked on the grill, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, even veggies like corn on the cob and potatoes. We want to use the grill to maximize flavor, not danger. While there is of course always a risk when working with fire, there are plenty of ways to ensure safety for the grill master and all guests. 

Before starting the grill up, do a quick (but thorough) check to make sure all is in order. Check for any leaks, holes, or cracks and be sure to scrub away any grease build up that can cause a grill fire. 

We recommend always keeping a fire extinguisher nearby... And know how to use it. If a hot dog goes up in flames because a certain guest likes ‘em extra toasty, it’s important to have a fire extinguisher close to prevent the fire from spreading.

Keep it clean. 

There’s no need to hoard a bunch of cooking utensils, towels, paper plates, etc. right next to the grill. Keep them a safe distance away to avoid these flammable items from going up in flames.

Give yourself some space. It’s recommended to keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. 

Accidents can happen, even with the most experienced grill master, so best to keep your grill far from where it can cause the most damage.

Are grills dangerous?

We aren’t going to sugarcoat it, grills can be dangerous. However, there are many precautions to take that will minimize the risk of grilling. Common injuries due to grilling are burns, smoke inhalation, and knife cuts. 

Grills are the root cause of a decent percentage of house fires every year. Keeping grills away from your home and off wooden decks is a way to minimize the danger that grills can present. 

How to put out gas fires and charcoal grills

It is important to know how to extinguish a gas grill fire and how to put out a charcoal grill. In the event of a gas grill fire, try to turn the burners off if you can do so safely, smother the flames with baking soda or sand and close the lid. If the fire is still burning after a few seconds, it’s time to whip out the fire extinguisher. 

After you are done cooking on a charcoal grill, it is important to properly put it out. To do so, you just need to cut off oxygen to the charcoal by closing the lid and vents. It typically takes about 48 hours for the charcoal to go out and the grill to cool down. 

How dangerous are gas grills? 

Gas grills have been around for almost a century and we’re still using them, so they must not be too dangerous. While propane grills are an efficient way to cook your favorite BBQ foods, it is important to understand the risks that come along. 

Gas grills cause more grill fires than charcoal grills and there is always a possibility of a gas leak that can cause explosions. If you own a gas grill, it is important to practice proper gas grill safety to keep you and your loved ones free from harm.

Is it safe to grill outside? 

Safer than grilling inside! With a traditional gas or charcoal grill that is. It is not recommended to use gas or charcoal grills inside, due to improper ventilation and lack of open space. If you are planning on using an indoor grill, we recommend you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. 

You can safely grill outside by making sure your grill is stable, clean, and in an open area away from flammable items and structures. Overall, it is safe to grill outside as long as you take the proper precautions.

Pro-tip: Install a doorbell camera at your front door so you can let guests in without leaving the grill! 

Now that you’re equipped with the proper knowledge of grill safety, you are ready to throw your BBQ bash of the summer! It’s time to whip out the cornhole, fireworks and your cold beverage of choice and make precious memories with friends and family. 

If you need some inspo on what to cook at your next BBQ, check out the many delicious recipes on our Safe at Home blog. And if you’re looking to protect what you love year-round, ADT customers enjoy one of the most modern security systems, backed by professional installation and 24/7 monitoring. Check out our website to learn more and get the protection you need.

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