5 Summer Grilling Safety Tips
Summertime and the livin’ is easy or so the song goes. Anyone with a backyard patio, pool or grilling space knows the drill. Get through the week, then have some friends over on the weekend and break out the grill. Nothing brings people together like some food and a little fun in the sun.
Still, backyard barbecues can pose some significant risks. A little proactive management and these risks can be reduced significantly if not eliminated. Here are five great ideas to help make your grilling and cooling a lot more enjoyable and safe.
1. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand
Summer grilling safety should not be taken lightly. Many famous last words began, “If only I had a….” With this thought in mind, always have a small, portable, class ABC extinguisher close to your grill. The peace of mind is well worth any ribbing that you take from your guests.
2. A bottle of water is worth a pound of flame retardant
In the same vein, a little prevention goes along way towards not having a combustible event in the first place. A small bottle of water is especially effective on charcoal but can also be used judiciously to put out smaller grease fires on a gas grill. In any event, it can always keep the cook hydrated.
3. Keep the grill away from the side of the house, the backyard fence or anything else combustible
This summer grilling safety tip is really a no brainer. Just don’t cook too close to anything that you don’t intend to eat. Summer tends to dry out all sorts of things so pay close attention to where you park the grill
4. Watch the little ones
This is sage advice at any time of the year or in any place but especially true when a hot grill can immediately burn an unsuspecting child. The chef or some other adult should always attend to a hot grill an keep the unsuspecting away.
5. Don’t overindulge (at least until you are done cooking)
In addition to the little ones, keep an eye on yourself and your guests. Enjoy everything in moderation, as they say, and the day will end on a happy note. Too much sun food or alcohol can have a truly dampening effect on the best of get-togethers. Be aware of summer grilling safety for everyone’s sake.
