It has been an outstanding start to summer, with hot and dry weather. It's been a great motivator to get outside and use the backyard barbecue. And with most of us spending more time at home and cooking for ourselves, there are more grills being fired up more often.
It should be no surprise that combining fire and propellants to cook food doesn't come without its risks.
To protect your family and home while still enjoying your
backyard, outdoor grill, and other outside activities, consider these important
tips.
For safe outdoor grilling:
● Keep your
portable grill outside and at least one metre (3 feet) away from your home, deck railings,
overhangs, and other combustible materials.
● Make sure
the drip pan is in place before use. Consider placing a grill pad or splatter
mat beneath your grill to protect your deck.
● For
non-gas grills, do not use kerosene, gas, or other highly volatile starter
fluids; instead, use a metal chimney starter specifically designed for charcoal
briquettes or wood chunks.
● Turn off
the grill when you’re done and allow it to cool completely before moving or
cleaning it, including emptying the grease pan and removing food.
● After
charcoal or wood ash has cooled for 48 hours, wrap it in aluminum foil before
placing it in a noncombustible outdoor trash can.
To avoid spontaneous combustion:
● Get rid
of large piles of cardboard and flammable materials in your garage.
● Ensure
that oily rags do not pile up in your garage, basement, or attic.
● Store
fertilizer in large metal trash cans and keep them away from direct sunlight.
● Keep gas
and combustible fuels in solid, non-rusted containers located in a well-ventilated
shed away from your home.
As Canadians we have to take advantage of summer during the short time that it is here. But let's remember to do it safely so everyone can enjoy these next few months.
