Enjoying Your Backyard BBQ Without Starting a House Fire | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights

7/28/2023 (Permalink)

Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Alamo Heights to get your space back in shape.

The summer season in the Alamo Heights area is always a sweet one. We love our neighborhood and all of the community events offered during this warm and sunny time of year. In addition, we love to host and have our friends and family out for a backyard BBQ!

Grilling season is at its peak right now, which means that grill fires are also at their peak. Using and manning your grill properly can reduce your risk of starting a fire that spreads to your home or deck, so responsible use of your grill is crucial. SERVPRO of Alamo Heights wants you to enjoy your burgers and hot dogs without worrying about a potential fire, so read on to learn some great grill safety tips.

Setting Up Your Work Area

If you are the self-appointed grillmaster, take your setup location seriously. Your grill needs to be completely outside, and that includes outside of your garage and out from underneath any roof overhangs. If your grill is partially inside or even in your garage with the door open, it can’t vent properly and it can heat up whatever is directly above it to the point of combustion.

It should also be far away from anything flammable like your house siding and wooden deck railing. A good rule is to set up your grill on a level surface at least 10 feet away from anything that could catch on fire. This zone should also be kid-free and pet-free to keep everyone safe.

Next, it’s time to inspect your grill for defects. Both propane and charcoal grills have the potential to dent or crack, so check your specific grill for signs of damage. Ash should be removed from the ashtray of charcoal grills and the vent covers should be checked to ensure they can swing easily. If you have a propane grill, inspect each gas line connection to ensure a tight fit and that there are no leaks. A propane leak is not only a fire risk, it is also a huge safety concern.

Staying Near Your Grilling Food

Now that the grill is hot and you have put on your food, don’t go anywhere! All it takes is a single spark or a grease bubble to pop for a fire to catch and spread while you run inside. Stay close by with a water source ready like a spray bottle or outdoor hoses.

Once your food is done and everyone is digging in, take the extra time to make sure everything is shut down correctly. Close the vents of your charcoal grill and scatter the coals to cut off the oxygen supply and fuel. Propane tanks should be closed and burners turned off as well. Before you go inside for the evening, take one final walk around your grill to make sure everything is off and the drum is cool to the touch.

The summer season is definitely one to remember in Alamo Heights, so we hope you have a great rest of your season with your friends and family. Remember, if your BBQ does turn south and you wind up with home damage, call SERVPRO of Alamo Heights for a quick restoration.

Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Alamo Heights for a fast restoration.