This blog post is sponsored by ADT.
It’s summertime, which means many of us will be barbecuing and grilling outdoors. Although cooking outdoors is so much more fun than indoors, it can also result in accidents and injuries. Taking a few precautions before you fire up the grill will give you peace of mind and ensure that your cookout is both fun and safe.
- Location, location, location. You don’t want to set-up your grill next to anything flammable. This includes trees, bushes, cars and fences. Also, grills should never be used indoors.
- Protect yourself. Use oven mitts and a heavy apron while grilling. Grilling aprons now come in great colors and funny captions, it’s fun fashion that also keeps you safe!
- Secure the grill. Keep all lighter fluids and flammable material away from the grill. Also, keeping a fire extinguisher handy is always a good idea. Clean your grill before using it by removing all the built-up grease and fat.
- You’re the master of the grill. Children and pets should never be near the grilling area. Also, never leave the grill unattended.
- Different grills, different rules. If you have a charcoal grill and you use starter fluid, make sure it’s the one specifically for charcoal grills. If you have one that uses coals, then let the coals cool down completely after use before disposing them in a metal container.
On the other hand, if you have a propane grill, then you also need to look out for leakage. To prevent leakages, keep the propane container upright at all times, replace nicked or scratched connectors as soon as possible and check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time this year.
Ultimately, a dash of common sense, keeping a cool head and following all these tips will make your cookout safe and accident-free.
For more safety and security tips, visit ADT's Home Security Source website. Check out ADT on Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube for more information.
