Planning to Grill? Make Sure You Know These Safety Rules First
Whenever you are dealing with open flames and a large source of fuel, you need to take extra care—and grilling is no exception. Every year, over 10,600 home fires are caused by grills, according to the National Fire Protection Association. July is the peak month, followed by June, May, and August. In addition, 19,700 patients went to the ER due to grill-related injuries. About half were thermal burns. So, before you toss a few patties on the grill and pop a cold one, make sure you’re up to speed on these grilling safety guidelines. Checking for gas leaks and other issues. It’s ideal to do this before grilling. If you haven’t broken the grill out for the season, do a quick check for bird or rodent nests, or leaves that may have fallen inside. After the gas has been turned on, spray on a mixture of soap and water on the hose, regulator, and burner connections. If any bubbles form, it’s an indication of a leak. Turn the gas off and address the leak before grilling. (The National Fire Protection Association has a video on how to check for gas leaks here.) Turning it on. Don’t light the grill with the cover closed. Otherwise, gas…