7 BBQ Safety Tips for Homeowners
The summer season is a time of year that brings about tons of fun and joy. You head on outdoors, grab a few friends, and soak in the sun’s rays for the majority of the day. Here, you can do many activities outdoors, such as playing your favourite sport. Another awesome way to unwind is by throwing together a barbecue.
House barbecues are a lot of fun, but they require caution. As the age-old adage goes, you are always better safe than sorry. Your gas grills need to be fine-tuned to the point where it can operate safely and effectively. It may seem obvious, but doing a pre-system check-up with your machine will be for the best.
Here are seven BBQ safety tips for homeowners:
Tip #1: Use the BBQ outdoors
This BBQ safety tip might seem obvious for most users, but a barbeque should only be reserved for outdoor usage. In many ways barbecuing inside could result in a needless accident. Keep all of your cooking sessions for the outdoors, no matter what time of the year it is. BBQ use should also not be used during the cold.
Indoor use of this machine could result in fire damage or worse. Since there are many explosive elements inside your home, it only takes one small move for things to go awry. Ensure that you give your machine enough space on all sides, even when outdoors, to be on the best foot forward.
Tip #2: Place the BBQ in an optimal spot
The position of your BBQ will also matter in terms of safety. Make sure that your barbecue is placed on a level, flat surface. Any other type of surface can make the machine move in various directions. The last thing anyone needs has their barbecue roll away from them!
Avoid slopes and other uneven surfaces for the most part. It is simply not recommended to place the machine on even the slightest slopes, resulting in an accident. Concrete flooring outdoors is the best surface to use the barbecue on. Alternatively, any other type of stable flooring will work just as well.
Tip #3: Checking for BBQ leaks
During the winter months, your BBQ will more than likely be stored indoors in a shed or something similar. The first time you boot the barbecue up, it may seem a bit rusty. Before you even do that, it is important to do an eye test and look for leaks that may be present. For example, take a look at the gas lines.
These areas could point you in the right direction should any liquid dripping from the actual lines. Before you even start your machine, this pre-system check-up is incredibly crucial. Don’t forget to open the lid of your barbecue before you start lighting as well! That way, your machine will be good to go for the season.
Tip #4: Clean the barbecue grill
As with many home appliances, using a barbecue will require sanitary techniques after every use. That is because there will be the grease that builds up after every use, and, when left unattended, it can cause issues. In the worst possible circumstances, the grease could become a fire hazard too.
No matter what type of barbecue you have, it is important to do a thorough cleaning after every use. This sentiment applies to both charcoal and gas-based machines; use a grill brush to begin the process. Once the grease begins to fill up in the tray, simply throw it away once you are done.
Tip #5: Wear appropriate clothes when grilling
If you use your machine in the summer, it might be easy to think that a t-shirt and shorts are appropriate. Or, you may be inclined to wear long sleeves during the evening if you use the machine then. To be on the safe side of things, you should ensure that your clothes and aprons don’t have loose threads to avoid them catching fire.
Tip #6: Use a spray bottle on the barbecue
If your barbecue flares up as in use, you should always have a spray bottle on hand. This BBQ safety tip allows you to extinguish small flames before they enlarge. The spray bottle will minimize the fire hazard so that it doesn’t become a bigger threat.
Tip #7: Be safe and aware in BBQs
It might seem easy to simply let your machine do the cooking while outdoors. However, it is vital to always remain present and at the moment while you are using the machine. Don’t leave your barbecue unattended, even for a moment.
You should also have a fire extinguisher on hand if the worst possible situation occurs during cooking. Your extinguisher can be small if you prefer a more compact size to use. By following these tips, you can enjoy your meals without worry!