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28 Jun
BBQ Season

by ServiceMaster of Portland | in Emergency Preparedness | 0 comments

Summer is officially here. The smell of BBQ will soon fill the air. There’s nothing better than eating tasty food with friends and family in the warm summer sun. However, BBQ’s can quickly turn into a dangerous fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), May through August are the peak months for BBQ fires with July being the height of it. Before you break out your grill, brush up on your BBQ safety to avoid fire damage this summer.

BBQ Outside

  • Never BBQ indoors. All grills give off carbon monoxide, even small ones.
  • Once you’re outside, set up your grill 10 feet from any structure.
  • Grilling on a surface like concrete is best because it’s non-flammable and flat.
  • Clear away low hanging greenery and decorations. Any items hanging above your grill can quickly turn into fuel for an out of control flame.

Between Uses

  • Wipe down the outside of your grill.
  • Brush grates while they’re still warm for a quick cleanup.
  • Don’t forget to close your grill’s lid and put it away.

Grease Fires

  • No matter what you do, don’t use water to put out a grease fire. That will only make it worse.
  • Keep baking soda or sand next to your grill to throw on the flames if they grow out of control.
  • Another option is to turn off your burners and put the lid on. This might smother the flames.
  • Class B fire extinguishers are also a great resource to keep nearby. These include the multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher or the dry chemical-carbon dioxide extinguisher.
  • When in doubt, evacuate the area and call 911.

Yearly Gas Grill Maintenance

  • Soak burners, grates and shields in soapy water.
  • Wipe down the outside of your grill
  • If you have stubborn grease left behind, close your lid and turn your grill on high for 15 minutes.

Check for Gas Leaks

  • Look for any damage on your gas tank or lines like rust, punctures and dents.
  • Mix together equal parts of water and liquid dish soap.
  • Brush this solution onto your gas tank and valve.
  • Turn on the gas slowly.
  • Watch for Bubbles. If they form, you have a leak.
  • Disconnect the gas tank and don’t use grill until your leak is repaired.

Charcoal Grills

  • Be careful when handling hot starters. After use let them cool completely before storing.
  • Only use lighter fluid on cold, unlit coals. Don’t use lighter fluid on burning coals.
  • After you use lighter fluid, put it away far from your grill.
  • Let ashes fully cool before disposing of them. Once completely cooled, place them in a non-flammable container away from your home.

Enjoy your summer celebrations! We hope the tips above help you stay safe this season. ServiceMaster of Portland has over 50 years of experience restoring water, fire and mold damage in the Portland Metro area. Contact us day or night for emergency water restoration services. Our team of experts uses leading industry protocols and standards to provide the high-quality service our customers deserve.

Photo by: istockphoto.com/arinahabich

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