Summer is the best time of year to live in the Northwest: the sun is out and the weather is perfect for outdoor grilling with family and friends.
Unfortunately, too often we hear of a serious burn or other injury that could have been avoided; these tragedies are a good reminder to practice basic grill safety.
Grill Safety Tips
- Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors. If you were not already aware of this, please do not operate a grill under any circumstances. Indoor grilling is a serious fire hazard, and a carbon monoxide poisoning risk.
- Position the grill in a well-ventilated area, away from the house and deck railings, and out from under eaves or any lower tree branches. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in a 4-year period thousands of fires were started because this simple precaution was not taken.
- Keep kids and pets away from the grill and surrounding area: this is particularly important for charcoal grills, which tend to be less stable than propane grills.
- Clean the grill. By removing grease and fat buildup from the grills and in the trays, you can increase the control you have over the flames.
- Never leave your grill unattended once it is lit.
- Be ready to extinguish flames. Remember that baking soda can be used to control a grease fire, and have a fire extinguisher handy.
- Practice food safety. Keep meat and seafood cold until cooking—40 degrees or below—and keep meat and produce separate, including cutting boards and utensils. See more food safety tips.
- Wear safe clothing – watch out for hanging shirt tails or apron strings that can catch fire, and use flame-retardant mitts.
- Be ready to extinguish flames. Remember that baking soda can be used to control a grease fire and have a fire extinguisher handy.
- Don’t move a hot grill. It’s easy to stumble or drop it and serious burns could result
For more information on grilling safety, see the National Fire Protection Association tips.
About the Author
Tom D'Amore is the founder of D'Amore Law Group and a trial attorney with over 30 years of experience representing injured people and their families across the West Coast, securing more than $325 million in recoveries. He handles cases involving
car accidents,
trucking accidents,
construction injuries,
medical malpractice, and
sexual abuse. Licensed in Oregon, Washington, and California, Tom is the only NBTA board-certified truck accident attorney in Oregon. He is a national Board of Governors member, past Executive Committee member, and past Budget and Audit Chair of the American Association for Justice, as well as past President of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and an Eagle member of the Washington State Association for Justice.
