10 Grilling Safety Tips

According to statistics from NFPA, July has been the peak month for grill fires, followed by June. Grilling is generally a safe activity, but can lead to damage to your property or injuries if not done correctly. Don’t let a perfect summer afternoon take a turn for something worse.

1. Place Your Grill in a Safe Area

Keeping your grill a few feet from your back door can seem convenient. With less ground to cover to get to the house, you could easily grab platters, meats, spices, or anything else. However, keeping your grill close to your home, or even in your garage, is neither the safest choice, nor recommended.

You should place your grill at least 10 feet from your home and anything else that could combust, such as wooden furniture, planters, or awnings. Look for any eaves or overhanging branches from trees. The area over your grill should be clear of any objects.

2. Place Your Grill on a Level Surface 

Don’t place your grill in an area where it could slide, wobble, or topple over. The surface should be non-combustible and away from any landscaping that could ignite. Be sure any countertops near the grill are non-combustible.

3. Open the Lid 

Always make sure that the lid to your grill is open before you light it. Leaving the lid closed can cause a gas buildup which may lead to an explosion.

4. Keep an Eye on Your Grill When in Use  

Don’t step away from your grill when using it, even for a minute. Grilling requires constant supervision. If you need to leave the area, have another adult supervise the area while you are away.

5. Watch What You Wear While Grilling

Before you light your grill for a tasty summer meal, take a look at what you are wearing. Loose clothing, dangling sleeves, or stray strings can all spell danger around open flames.

6. Consider Installing an Emergency Gas Shut-Off Valve 

Test this valve frequently, and be sure everyone who uses the grill knows where it is located, and how it functions.

7. Clean Your Grill Frequently 

According to NFPA, in roughly 20% of fires from 2020-2024, the grill had not been cleaned.

Be sure you are cleaning the drip pan, grease tray, heat plates, burners, and any other area where grease or flammable materials can build up regularly.

8. Keep Pets Away from Your Grill 

Grilling your favorite dishes can get the attention of your whole neighborhood, including your furry friends. Many popular foods to grill can actually be hazardous or toxic for dogs to consume. Because of this and the open flames, keeping dogs and other animals away from your grill when you are using them is a smart move.

9. Check Gas Lines for Leaks Regularly

You can use a soapy solution to check for leaks in your gas lines or connections. You can also listen carefully for any hissing noises. If you detect any leaks, be sure to shut off the gas and fix the leaks before using your grill.

10. Don’t Forget the Fire Extinguisher   

Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher nearby your grill, but not directly against it.

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.