Spring marks the beginning of barbecue season. Before you get to grilling, however, there are a number of safety precautions you need to keep in mind as grill master. These simple yet thorough tips will give you the insight you need for igniting the starter flame and throwing a lively backyard cookout while dedicating yourself to safety.
Spring Cleaning
Start by making sure your barbie’s cooking surface is clear of any leftover residue from grilling seasons past. Caked on grease is unsanitary so turn up the burners and let them put the flame to the grates. After about 15 minutes, turn off the burners, shut off the gas tank, and give the grates a thorough scraping with a wire grill bush. That will take off all that unwanted gunk.
Once the grill’s cool again, ensure that all of your grill’s surfaces have been thoroughly washed and wiped down and are ready to take on the spring cookout season. Use a grate-safe cleaner and wire bristled brush to scrub the charr and clear the way for a safe grilling season ahead. A clean grilling surface ensures that the flame of your grill is better-controlled and less prone to taking on a life of its own.
The Flame Game
Never, under any circumstances, should you leave the flame of your grill unattended, even if the lid is down and the gas is on low. An unattended flame can turn dangerous in the blink of an eye, posing a fast-acting danger that can cause your backyard barbecue to go up in smoke. Paying close attention to your grill is the easiest way to keep aggressive flames at bay. Always keep an eye on burgers and snags while letting them sear over the open flame. A little char on your burger is one thing, but a blackened mess can quickly cause an eruption of smoldering soot and ruin your culinary creation. Keep all patio dining and seating areas covered with patio furniture covers, table covers, and chair covers to ensure your pieces stay clean of any ashy soot should things get a little out of hand. And remember, it’s always a good idea to have your fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.
Kidding Around
There’s a good chance you will be entertaining kids during your backyard barbecue, making safety Priority #1. Keep little hands at least three feet from the grill at all times to prevent burns as well as smoke inhalation that can damage the eyes and lungs. Dissuade younger kids from going near the grill by assigning them the responsibilities of setting up the dining table and drink cooler, keeping them busy and out of harm’s way. Older kids can act as your sous chef, still keeping a distance from the grill, but tending to the more supervised responsibilities of preparing the condiment table or putting away the chair covers when it comes time to eat.
Springing a Leak
As you operate your gas grill, be aware of the potential for a gas leak. If you’re having trouble igniting the flame or if you smell propane, your grill may very well have a gas leak. Carefully inspect the hoses connected to the tanks by rubbing a little soap and water mixture on the connector hose. If it bubbles, your tank is leaking. Never attempt to re-light the grill immediately after the flame goes out. Five minutes is a good lead time to wait before re-lighting a gas grill. This helps you avoid dangerous buildups of natural gas. If you find a leak in the hose, do not use your grill until the hose has been replaced.
Charcoal Goals
As for charcoal grills, lighter fluid should be your main safety concern. Be conservative with how much fluid you add, and never add fluid to already hot coals. A little can go a long way, so start slow. Douse your briquettes and then let the fluid soak for about ten seconds. Then light it up. Once your flames have been lit, place the lighter fluid in a safe spot far from the open flame of your grill. Never dump used charcoal onto a deck surface or near anything that might catch fire, even if the coals appear to have cooled down. Coal briquettes can hold heat for hours after a fire has died, posing a serious fire hazard. Always empty coals into a metal container to cool for at least 48 hours. Stirring water carefully into the ashes can help speed up the process. Once cooled, the coals can be wrapped in aluminum foil and disposed of in a non-combustible outdoor trash bin.
Cool, Calm, and Covered
Safety begins and ends with preventative measures. When the grilling day is done, you should always safely pack away your grill’s hardware in order to keep it in top shape for the next time you throw down on the barbie. Grill equipment that has been left sitting out can rust, collect debris and become a cause for safety concerns. When foreign matter collects in the fine, hard to clean places inside the grill, it can lead to major flare-ups. A grill cover or even a custom tarp over your entire outdoor setup keeps dirt and debris out all season long, ensuring that no hidden menaces will pose a threat to the integrity of your grill, your patio, or the safety of you and your cookout guests.
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