Rochester MN Home Inspectors Grilling Safety Tips
- Melted cable, electrical box
It’s the 4th Of July weekend, and that means grilling out. There’s a hot fire in the grill, the brats, hotdogs and burgers are sizzling. It’s a welcome sight and smell at any family cookout. Don’t let that fire make your family cookout memorable for the wrong reasons.
Safety Tips.
- Position your grill away from deck railings, siding, under eves and tree branches, and away from shrubberies.
- Place the grill safely away from foot traffic and play areas.
- Make sure pets and children are kept at a safe distance from the grill. Declare a 3′ “safe zone” around the grill.
- Long handled tools help to keep the chef safely away from the flames and heat when flipping burgers.
- Any grease or fat build up in the catch receptacles should be removed frequently to prevent ignition
- Purchase the proper starter fluid for use with charcoal grills. Keep the fluid stored safely and out of reach of children.
- Check propane gas grills regularly for leaks at the connections or hoses. Use a light soap and water solution. Leaks will result in bubbles when the solution is applied to hoses and connections.
- All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overflow protection devices, (OPD) The OPD is identifiable by it’s triangle shaped handle.
- Always store propane tanks outdoors, never in sheds or garages
- Never add charcoal starter fluid to coals that are already ignited
- Never use charcoal or propane grills indoors or enclosed spaces. Not only do they pose a fire threat, you also risk potential poisonous gasses and asphyxiation.
Enjoy the Holiday!
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com