One of the best things about warm, sunny summers in San Diego is being outside and getting to grill with friends and family. Of course, everything fun comes with responsibility so it’s important to take all the safety precautions when grilling. We want you to have a blast out there, and we don’t mean the kind that comes from your propane tank. Follow these tips for a safe and great time:
1. Stay Away from Structures
Location. Location. Location. Being too close to a structure could be all it takes to start a fire. So, when it comes to finding a location for your barbecue, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Obviously, grills are made for the outdoors so don’t put one in your house. And just because it’s outside doesn’t mean it’s any safer. Keep in mind overhanging tree branches, covered decks, and being to close to anything flammable like a lattice or dry plants.
Every home and backyard are different, so be sure to really observe your area and make sure you’re doing what is safest. If you aren’t sure, feel free to get our opinion at Aztec Appliance! We’d love to help you find the safest spot so you can enjoy grilling worry-free.
2. Clean Your Grill
One of the most basic things you can do for your grill is to simply clean it. The less fat and buildup on your grill grates, the less likely you’ll have a grease fire. All you need is a wire brush to help you scrub the grill grates before every use. Most of the debris will fall into the grill tray below the grates, so be sure to remove that when it is completely cool.
3. Style Matters
Your fashion statement while grilling should scream, “safety first.” From the material to the length of your clothes, you want to make sure that what you’re wearing won’t ever get in the way. Try not to wear long-sleeved shirts or clothing that will dangle. It’s probably warm outside anyway, so keep it simple and dress light while working the grill.
4. Be Prepared to Extinguish
Before you even mess with a barbecue, there is one thing you should be prepared to do: put out a fire. Whether that means having a fire extinguisher or a container of baking soda available for a grease fire, you should know exactly what to do in order to contain the flames. In fact, you should also know what NOT to do, such as pour water over the fire. The water won’t extinguish the fire and instead will cause the oil to splash and spread. Figure out a plan of action in case a fire were to happen so that you are able to keep you and your guests protected.
It’s all fun and games until something catches on fire, and that’s exactly what we want to help you avoid. At Aztec, we’ve got the inside scoop on grills, outdoor kitchens, and the best setup for your home. Visit our store this summer to get the guidance you need to keep your backyard cookouts safe and fun.