Since the idea of outdoor grilling would usually involve happy and enjoyable moments with friends, family or loved ones, most people do not see what dangers they are exposed to when grilling outdoors. If you think that the worst you can get from outdoor grilling are some minor burns, then you are definitely wrong, simple outdoor grilling, when not done safely can lead to severe injuries some of them being fatal, structure fires and large outdoor fires.

However, the chances of these unfortunate events happening are really slim and you can even lessen that by following outdoor grilling safety guidelines. So to keep you and the people you are with safe whenever you would be grilling outdoors, here are some few guidelines that you should follow to keep you safe.

Make Sure The Grill Is Safe

Before you start lighting up a fire, you have to see to it that the grill is safe and could handle it. That means that you should first check the tank to see if there are any leaks since leaks in the tank are very sensitive and could react when exposed to small amounts of fire immediately. In doing this, you should check the pipe and the tank and remember never to do this with the use of a match or a lighter as these could cause the tank to explode.

After seeing that there are no leaks, you should also make sure that the grill is standing stably, especially if you are using one that is standing on top of four legs. Even if it isnt, make sure that it isnt shaky or has the possibility of toppling over. Always make sure that you only start a fire if the grill has been checked and if you are already sure that the grill itself is already safe for grilling.

Keep The Area Safe

The grilling area should only be designated for grilling alone and no other purpose. Considering this, you have to make sure that the grill is far enough from objects than could catch fire easily such as paper, tall grass, shrubs, bushes, the house itself and trees. Electric wires, devices and outlets can also react when exposed to high levels of heat or smoke you also have to see to it that there are none of these near your grill. The outdoor grill produces a lot of fire and that could spread easily if you ignore whatever is near it.

Since the grilling area is only for grilling, you also have to make sure that the kids, pets or anyone else would not go near it while it is still hot and especially while you are still grilling. Make it clear to them that the grilling area is a no play zone to avoid any accidents caused by them. The grill is safe however only if it has completely cooled down.

Watch It

Whenever you are grilling, you must watch what you are doing at all times, that is you should never do anything else while the fire is going on in the grill. Never leave the grill while there is fire and make sure that you do everything else that you have to do before you start grilling. Grilling is quite a sensitive activity, that is neglecting it can cause a lot of things none of use would expect to happen.

Another very important guideline is you always have to be ready. Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher ready and as well as access to a phone. Outdoor grilling safety is not only about preventing things that could happen but also knowing what to do in case they happen.