When it is the start of summer, it always sounds fascinating and exciting to gather with friends and family to plan for outdoor cooking. Springs and summer are considered the perfect time to enjoy barbeque, hot burgers, steaks, and more.
While planning charcoal and propane grills, ensuring outdoor fire safety is highly important to protect from fire-related hazards.
As per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 3,400 fires occur in or on residential buildings, usually caused by charcoal grills or gas, with a total property loss of $137 million.
To keep your family and home safe, it is crucial to consider the 7 best outdoor cooking fire safety tips discussed in this read. So, let’s delve now!
Must Place Your Propane Grill at a Safe Location
When it comes to fire safety, it is important to remember location always matters! While going for outdoor cooking. Picking up the right spot is the foremost step to preventing outdoor fire hazards.
Make sure you choose a flat and open area that should be at least 10 feet away from any buildings, trees, and wooden structures. This is one of the propane grill safety tips that reduce fire accident rates and injuries. Keep in mind, never place the grill under anything that can catch fire.
Keep Your Grill Clean
Grease is the most significant cause of fire during outdoor cooking. So, cleaning the grill holds the utmost importance. Whether you use a charcoal grill or propane, make sure it is clean from any oily or greasy material. If you do not clean it properly, the buildup can easily catch fire when you are cooking.
However, nearly two-thirds of fires are caused by fat, oil, or grease because these substances catch fire. Once you use your grill, it’s your responsibility to clean it regularly to avoid outdoor cooking fires.
Pick Up the Fire Resistant Materials
According to OSHA outdoor kitchen safety guidelines, using fire-resistant material for your outdoor kitchen will help in reducing fire risks. You can use materials like stainless steel, stone, and bricks that are less likely to hook fire. Do not use things like plastic or wood near heat resources.
Be Caution When Using Lighter Fluid or Gasoline
Using the right fuel is another important part of fire prevention for outdoor cooking. Lighter fluid usually helps in starting charcoal grills. But, using briquettes or lump charcoal is the best option for charcoal grills. Some studies suggest that using lighter fluid will cause flare-ups and is hazardous if not handled properly. For gas grills, always use the correct type of propane or natural gas.
Do Not Wear Loose Fitting Clothes
Make sure you do not wear any loose or dangling clothing while outdoor cooking, which can catch fire easily. Try to wear short-sleeve shirts, avoid veils and scarves, and do not wear loose-fitting trousers. When you are grilling, make sure the clothes do not interfere with the cooking process.
Moreover, wearing an apron will help to protect your dress from grease splatters and also reduce the risk of catching fire. Closed-toe shoes are also recommended to protect your feet from hot coals or sparks.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
When you plan for a barbeque outside your home, do not forget to have an extinguisher with you. Having a fire extinguisher nearby might be a lifesaver in case of an emergency. It is also imperative to understand the fire extinguisher guidelines for outdoor cooking to prevent hazardous impact.
You can get a short fire extinguisher training online to understand how to use this tool safely and effectively. This will let you know how to use different extinguishers and which one is suitable for your chosen barbeque place.
Do Not Overload the Grill
We usually think overloading the grill seems like an efficient and optimal way to cook food for large gatherings, in fact, it is also one reason that causes outdoor cooking fires.
When the grill is packed with too many items, the circulation of air while cooking is compromised which increases the risk of flare-ups and increases heat intensity in food. This can quickly turn into an emergency. Instead of doing this, cooking smaller portions at a time is a good option to enjoy delicious grilling food.
Never Forget To Turn Off the Grill
Once you are done with your cooking, do not forget to turn off your grill. If you fail to do so, it will result in serious problems such as gas leaks, family illness, and even fires. Make sure the burner is off, and then close up your propane tanks or charcoal grills to avoid any unfortunate conditions.
Conclusion
Outdoor cooking is a fantastic way to enjoy with family and friends in warm weather. But if you do not consider outdoor cooking safety tips, it will result in severe fire hazards. Following the above-mentioned tips will surely help to minimize these risks. So, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and enjoy a safe and scrumptious outdoor cooking experience.
