Tag: Trees

Grilling Outdoors The Safe Way

Keep It Safe

Because outdoor grilling is undoubtedly fun and enjoyable for everyone, a lot of people fail to see the importance of outdoor grilling safety and the dangers that outdoor grilling can impose to a lot of people involved in it. They are not aware that simple outdoor grills have caused a lot of sever accidents, some of them being even fatal, a lot of structure fires and a lot of outdoor fires. This is very contrary to the common image of outdoor grilling which is supposed to be fun for everyone.

However, these disasters would only happen if concerned people fail to abide by some outdoor grilling safety methods, these of which are considerably very simple and basic for every person who has grilled. So for you to get more in depth with those outdoor safety guidelines and what they can do for you, here are some important things you should do every time you grill outdoors.

The Grilling Area

Make sure that your outdoor grill has its exclusive area in the backyard and would not share it with other items especially those that could catch fire easily such as the house itself, paper, bushes, trees, shrubs and long grass. That designated outdoor grilling area should also be a no play zone for kids and pets especially while you are grilling or while it is still hot. Make sure that the kids and the pets do not go near the grill at all times as they may do a lot of things with it that could cause dangers.

Also make sure that the grill is not near any electric wires, devices or plugs as exposing these objects to extreme heat could make them explode and cause fires. One of the most basic guideline for the grilling area is never to have it indoors, it is called an outdoor grill because the name itself already spells out where it should be place, forcing it indoors could also cause a lot of accidents.

The Grill Itself

It is very important to check how the grill is every time before you start grilling. You have to make sure that it is completely safe to avoid accidents. If you are using a gas-powered grill, make sure to check that there are no leaks in the pipe and never do this with the use of a match as it can make the tank explode. Take note that gas tanks are very sensitive when it comes to fire so you should be extra careful with it.

Also check that the grill stands firmly on the ground, especially if you have one that stands on 4 legs. This is very important as you do not want the grill to later topple over and cause a lot of accidents later on. Make sure that you only start a fire if the grill itself is ready and is safe enough.

More Guidelines

When you are grilling, you have to be focused on it. That is you should never leave the grill while the fire is on and especially when there are items on top of the grill. Aside from having your steak burnt, there are a lot of things that could happen if you dont watch the grill carefully. It would also be much safer if you had a fire extinguisher on stand by at all times as well as access to call emergency. You will never know what could happen so you might as well be prepared.

Grilling Minus the Injury

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.