There’s nothing quite like the sizzle and aroma of a delicious meal cooking on the grill. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and whip up some culinary delights. Before you fire up the grill, though, there’s a super important first step.
Many cities and communities have rules about grilling on apartment patios or decks. To ensure everyone’s safety and happiness, please chat with your community office before using any type of grill. They’ll have all the up-to-date information on what’s allowed.
Grilling on Gas Grills: Our Top Tips for a Safe & Sizzling Time
For those of you in communities where gas grills are given the green light, we’re thrilled for your grilling adventures! To help you keep things safe and enjoyable, here are some friendly, yet crucial, tips:
- Location, Location, Location: Always grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Give your grill at least 10 feet of space from buildings, overhanging branches, and anything that could easily catch fire. Think of it as giving your grill room to shine!
- Gas Leaks? Let’s Check: A quick and easy check can save a lot of worry. Regularly apply a soapy water solution to your grill’s hose and connections. If you see bubbles, it’s a sign of a leak! Simply turn off the gas supply right away and reach out to a qualified professional to get it safely fixed.
- Lighting Up with Care: Always ensure the grill lid is open before lighting. If your grill doesn’t ignite on the first try, no worries! Just turn off the gas and wait a few minutes for any gas to dissipate before trying again. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to gas.
- Supervision is Key: Your grill loves attention! Never leave a lit grill unattended. It’s like having a watchful eye on a delicious masterpiece in the making.
- Dress for Success (and Safety): When you’re grilling, choose your outfit wisely. Avoid loose sleeves or dangling jewelry that could accidentally catch fire. Comfort and safety go hand in hand.
- Little Ones and Furry Friends: We all love our children and pets, so let’s keep them safe. Establish a three-foot “no kids and pets zone” around the grill. This gives them a safe distance from the heat and excitement.
- Cleanliness is Next to Grill-iness: Regularly clean your grill to remove grease and fat buildup. Not only does this keep your grill in tip-top shape for delicious meals, but it also prevents fire hazards.
- Fire Extinguisher: This is your grilling buddy! Keep a fire extinguisher readily available and, just as important, know how to use it. It’s like having a superhero standing by, just in case.
- Propane Tank Pointers: Store your propane tanks outdoors in a well-ventilated area, upright, and away from heat sources. And remember, never bring a propane tank indoors. They prefer the fresh air.
- Before Each Use: A quick peek! Before every grilling session, take a moment to inspect the gas hose for any signs of damage like cracks or brittleness, and do a quick check for leaks. A little vigilance goes a long way.
- During Use: Keep it safe! This one’s super important: never add lighter fluid to hot coals, and absolutely do not use gasoline or kerosene as a starter fluid. Stick to safe grilling practices.
- After Use: Cool down, then cover! Once you’re done grilling, make sure the grill is completely turned off and cooled down before covering or storing it. It’s like tucking it in for the night.
Grilling truly is one of life’s simple pleasures, offering tasty food and great times! By following these straightforward safety tips, you’re not just cooking a meal; you’re creating accident-free memories and enjoying delicious food with complete peace of mind. Happy grilling!
For more safety tips or help with multi-family maintenance, trust BMM. Contact us to learn about our commercial maintenance and renovation services.
