Preparing for a Cookout?

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Before you have that Fourth of July cookout, make sure you revisit our BBQ safety tips!

The Fourth of July will be here before you know it, and Americans are itching to partake in one of their favorite pastimes: the cookout! According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 64% of US adults own a grill or smoker – that's almost two-thirds of the population! The massive popularity of outdoor cooking can end badly if proper safety precautions are not observed. So let's run through a few safety tips to make your cookout a success!

Sure, you know your grill, but how well do you really know your grill? Keep a copy of your manual if possible; alternately, it should be available on the manufacturer's website. . Become familiar with your specific model, as features and functions differ between grill models.

Location, Location, Location! A grill should only be set up on a flat surface so it cannot tip over.  Set up a grill pad or splatter mat underneath your grill to protect your deck or patio. Consult your manual for the minimum keep-clear distance required for your grill.  If you're using a gas grill, make sure to check for a propane leak.  Just apply a light soap and water solution to the hose, then turn on the gas. If you see any bubbling, you've got a leak that needs to be fixed before going any further!

Always make sure to clean the grease off the grill before using it again.  Keep it clean!  Make sure to have baking soda on-hand in case of a grease fire. Should the flame go out, turn off the grill and the gas and give it at least five minutes before re-lighting it.

Charcoal grills cause more fires than gas grills, so always proceed with caution. Allow the coals to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.

We know that cookouts usually aren't complete without a few adult beverages of choice, but if you're in charge of the fire, keep it in check to avoid carelessness!

All of us at SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale love a good cookout, but we know that accidents sometimes happen. We're always here to help. Give us a call at 662-281-1881. Fire & Water – Cleanup & Restoration. We'll make it “Like it never even happened.”