
ProtectUs Security specializes in installing business security systems in Dallas Texas, as well as home security systems.
At ProtectUs Security, safety is our number-one priority. Although we specialize in installing home security systems in Dallas (and business security systems in Dallas, too!) we believe in practicing safety in all forms!
Summer Grilling Safety
Barbecuing, cooking out, grilling…whatever term you use, using a charcoal or propane grill is a classic
summer tradition that results in fun times with family and friends and delicious steaks, chicken,
vegetables, and more. But 16,600 people went to the emergency room with burns from grills in 2014,
and two-thirds of all grill fires occur during the summer months. Read on to find simple ways to use
your grill safely, so you can enjoy all its benefits without stressing about its risks.
Preparation is Key
Grills should be located at least ten feet away from landscaping and any portion of the house, including
garages, porches, and patios that are attached to the building. Never grill under a wooden overhang, in
case of a sudden spurt of flames, and place the grill on a level surface to reduce the chance of a tip-
over. Be sure to also store propane tanks far away from the house, and be sure they are completely
turned off. Make sure your grill is in an outdoor, open space where carbon monoxide will not build up.
Never use gasoline to power a grill, and if you have a charcoal grill, use only lighter fluid designed for
grilling. Make sure hanging baskets, pillows, umbrellas, and furniture are far away from the grill,
especially since synthetic materials are liable to burn fast and hot.
When you first pull out your propane grill for the year, check for blockages in the hoses, especially in
the tube that runs to the burners, and clear any problems with a pipe cleaner. Feel along the hoses for
brittle spots, and check for gas leaks by making a solution of one part water and one part dish soap and
rubbing it over the hoses. Open the lid and turn on the gas. If any large soap bubbles form, that means
there are either cracks in your hoses, or the connections aren’t tight enough. Be sure your grill is clean
and free of grease and fat build-up. Make sure hoses are away from hot areas and not in the path of any
potential drips. Be sure to continue these inspection and cleaning practices throughout the season at
times when the grill is cool. Go over grill safety practices with your children in advance of your first
cook-out.
Grill Wisely
Before you start up your grill for a meal, be certain you’ve thoroughly planned all cooking steps and
have laid out all the ingredient you’ll need within reach of the grill. Leaving a grill unattended for even
a moment while you run inside to grab a seasoning could result in an emergency. Also, overloading a
grill, especially with fatty meats, is liable to cause a sudden burst of flames.
Never turn on a grill while the lid is closed, as this can cause gases and fumes to build up inside and
then release a fireball once the lid is finally lifted. Be sure to protect yourself with an apron and oven
mitts that go up to your forearms, and use long-handled tools for stoking the grill and moving food
around. Keep pets, children, and adults who aren’t involved in the meal prep at least three feet away
from the grill. Have a spray bottle of water within reach in case of minor escaped flames – fortunately,
if the water gets on your food, it won’t ruin your meal. Also have a fire extinguisher within reach and
know how to use it! If a large fire starts and you can’t get the fire extinguisher to work immediately,
give up and call 911 from a safe distance. According to fire crews, many deaths and injuries occur
when people try to fight a fire themselves instead of getting professional help right away. If you smell
gas while cooking, immediately move away from the grill without touching it further and call the fire
department. If the flame goes out while you're cooking, turn off the grill and the gas and wait fifteen
minutes before re-lighting.
After cooking
The grill will remain hot for a while after use. Be sure all the parts have cooled before you try to clean
it, cover it, or store it. Thoroughly soak coals from a charcoal grill with water before disposing of them.
Be sure your grill is well-covered to prevent curious insects and critters from getting into it or chewing
on the hoses.
In case of emergency
Always call 911 in case of fire if you have no fire extinguisher, if you don’t know how to use a fire
extinguisher, or if a first attempt at using a fire extinguisher does not work immediately. Remember
that fires double in size every minute they keep burning. Even if a fire extinguisher is successfully
employed, call the fire department so they can assess the scene and put out any flames that were
missed or alert you to any structural dangers.
If someone receives a minor burn, treat it right away by removing any clothing or accessories from the
area and running the burn under cool water. Do not cover burns with bandages, butter, ointments, or
salves. For anything worse than a surface burn or if you have any doubts about how to provide care,
call 911 right away.
ProtectUs Security cares about your safety and hopes you have a fun and tasty grilling season! If you
have any questions about fire safety, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
(Planning a vacation this summer? Let us keep an eye on your home while you’re away! Contact us about installing a home security system in Dallas and beyond!)
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