4 Tips for Safe Summer Barbecues

With summer around the corner, plenty of families will be heading to the backyard to light up the grill and cook out. The National Fire Prevention Association’s (NFPA) 2016 report showed that July is the peak month for grilling fires followed closely by May, June and August. And each year an average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling. But this doesn’t mean you have to stop grilling. Following a few safety tips can help keep the family safe and grilling all summer long. Here are few worth jotting down:

Long Handled Tools

You put a lot of thought into what kind of grill you buy and you should put just as much thought into the tools that you use for grilling. It is best to use long-handled tools, like tongs and forks, which will keep your hands away from the flame and reduce the chance of grease splatters leading to a fire. You may also want to consider using gloves for when you're handling hot dishes. Also, be aware of what you're wearing, and avoid items with frills, long-hanging shirt tails and flammable fabrics.

Keep It Clean

It is important to clean your grill before every use. Grease builds up quickly, and that can lead to an increased risk of fires. A grill caked with charcoal specks and charred food will also affect the taste of your food. And according to Good Housekeeping avoid using a wire brush when cleaning. These can flake off into the grill and cause injuries down the line. Instead, use either a barbecue degreasing solution or crumpled aluminum foil.

Watch Your Space

The NFPA report also points out a large number of fires are started because people place grills too close to their homes. If your grill is on your patio, fire doesn't have far to travel to ignite your home. By the same token, you should keep your grill away from overhanging branches and out from under any roof overhangs. And never leave a grill unattended, even if it's just for a few minutes. It doesn't take long for some burned food to cause an even bigger fire.

Gas or Charcoal

Most people have a flavor preference between charcoal or gas cooker food. However, as the NFPA explained, gas grills result in four out of five home fires. While that doesn't mean you can't use gas, Travelers Insurance explained that you should take special safety precautions. For one, you should check the gas cylinder hoses for leaks at least once a year. This can be done by applying soap to the hose and watching for any bubbles. If you ever smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill right away and call your local fire department.

Sometimes grilling accidents happen. If you do get minor burns you can always head to your nearest CareWell Urgent Care Center. With locations in Peabody and throughout Massachusetts, CareWell can get you back behind the grill ASAP.

By Dr. Jack Cornwell, medical director CareWell Urgent Care