Summer Grilling Safety Tips

Today, our Fatherly producer, aka Dude Turned Dad Evan, is going to show you tips for having a safe and fun summer BBQ. Let’s get grilling and chilling.

Step 1: Make sure the grill is at least 10 feet away from your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 9,600 home fires a year are started by grills, on average. Keeping the grill well away from your home and deck railings, and making sure there is nothing hanging above it, will greatly help prevent home fires.
Step 2: Plan ahead. Always have a fire extinguisher close in the event of an emergency.
Step 3: Have a safety zone. To be completely safe, kids and pets shouldn’t be anywhere near the grill once it’s turned on.
Step 4: Proper clothing. You can prevent yourself from catching on fire by avoiding loose clothing. Make sure the kids aren’t wearing any baggy clothes either.
Step 5: Starting the grill. There is a right way and a wrong way to start a grill. Always start by opening the lid first. If you have a gas grill, make sure the propane and burners are turned on before starting the ignition.

There are three ways to start a charcoal grill. The first is using a chimney starter to light the coals without lighter fluid. Fill the chimney up as far as the desired heat level. Use an accelerant at the base to start the fire. Once the coals are heated, pour them into the grill. The second way is using lighter fluid. Create a pile of charcoal in the grill and pour lighter fluid on them. Never pour lighter fluid on fire or hot coals. Read the lighter fluid directions for correct amounts.

The third way is to use the match light. Finally, you can use charcoal that’s ready to go out of the bag. Create a pile and light! Let the grill warm up. Make sure you clean the grill before and after you use it, to prevent grease buildup that can lead to getting burned.

When you’re all done cooking up a storm, close all vents and dampers on the grill to prevent oxygen from igniting the coals. If you have a gas grill, make sure to turn off the gas first, and then the burners. Now enjoy that delicious burger! You earned it.