8 Grilling Safety Tips
The summer sounds of kids splashing in the pool and the sizzle of the grill. Inviting family and friends over for the weekend barbeque comes with great responsibility. And we’re not talking about overcooking the meat. Enjoy your grilling experience to the best of your ability with these safety tips in mind.
8 Tips to How to Grill Safely
Everyone loves a perfectly cooked steak from the grill, but no one enjoys a grill fire. These eight tips will ensure you’re staying safe this summer.
1. Grill in Safe Spot
Grills belong in the backyard, not the kitchen. The weather doesn’t always cooperate with your grilling schedule. The open flame will create carbon dioxide inside your home, which you don’t want. Grills should be placed outside on a flat, level surface at least three feet away from your house. Be aware of anything that hangs over your grills such as trees or outdoor decorations. Putting your grill in a shaded area prevents the propane tank from receiving direct sunlight.
2. Check for Leaks
How do you know if your propane tank has a leak? The easiest way to know if there is a leak is the smell. Although propane is naturally odorless, a chemical is added to know if there is a leak. A smell like rotten eggs or skunk spray indicates you may have a propane leak.
The best time to check for a leak is when you connect your propane tank or before you start grilling. If you suspect a leak but are unsure about it, try the “bubble test.” First, turn the propane tank off. Use a special leak detector solution or a soapy water solution. Apply the solution to the connections between the cylinder valve and outlet. Slowly turn the propane tank back on to see if bubbles appear. If there are bubbles, shut the propane tank off immediately and call 911 or your propane service provider.
Another way to tell if your propane tank is leaking is that you’re going through propane faster than normal without changing your usage. If your grill or any other equipment reliant on propane isn’t working properly, this also could be an indication of a leak.
3. Learn How to Clean a Grill
Your grill will accumulate a build-up of grease over time, which will create more flare-ups on your grill and increases the chance of a fire, if not cleaned each time. There are plenty of other benefits to cleaning your grill regularly. Your meat will taste better, your grill will last longer and perform better, and it will prevent bacteria and pests from ruining your food.
While grilling might be your favorite hobby, cleaning your grill probably isn’t. But you have to clean it each time. With the help of videos on the internet, you can learn how to clean your grill quickly and see the tools you’ll need.
4. Use a Safe Grill Brush and Other Accessories
To clean your grill you’re going to need a good grill brush and that will make your life easier. It’s also important to maintain your brush and replace it when needed. Using other accessories for your grill will also lead to safer grilling. A meat thermometer will ensure your food is cooked properly and with more advanced touchless thermometers it has become nearly impossible to burn yourself. U-Haul has all your grilling accessories needed. To create that fun and safe grilling time with friends and family use a tank holder and tank gauge.
5. Dress for the Occasion
Wearing your “Kiss the Chef” apron or a long-sleeve shirt is a good idea. Protecting yourself matters. Wearing clothes that are very loose can lead to them getting caught in the wrong places on a grill. Grilling gloves are another great accessory to wear and keep you safe from burns. For any reason that a piece of clothing catches fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames quickly.
6. Start the Grill Properly
Now that we have cleaned your grill and checked for leaks, it’s time to light the grill. To start a gas grill fueled by propane, first you need to lift the lid. By opening the lid before you turn the gas on, it allows the propane to dissipate in the air. If you start the gas with the lid closed, the gas will build, and once you finally light it, it could cause a flare-up.
7. Remember to Turn the Grill Off
It’s easy to forget to turn your grill off. You were running late and you’re just trying to get the food on the table. Or maybe that steak looks that good that you can’t wait. Make sure that you turn off your burners and close your propane tank. Letting your propane flow out by not shutting the valve off is basically starting your own propane leak. Propane can accumulate inside the grill or around the burners, so it’s important to make it a habit to turn your grill off.
8. What to do in Case of a Fire
In case of a fire, you want to be prepared. A fire extinguisher should always be handy in a home for many reasons, your grill being one of them. Everyone in the house, grill master or not, should know where it is in case a fire starts.
These tips will keep you safe while enjoying your summer out grilling. U-Haul has everything for your propane needs, with 1,100 locations that will inspect and refill your propane tank. U-Haul is your destination for your propane fuel and autogas needs. Find your nearest U-Haul location today.