Barbecue Safety Tips ~ The Southern Scoop’s Featured Beach Tip of the Month
We don’t know about you, but the second the weather gets warm we can’t wait to fire up the grill. Nothing says “summer” more than the smell of burgers and brats on the grill! If you’ve booked a vacation rental on the beach that comes with a grill, then knowing how to safely operate your grill is paramount. Whether it’s a charcoal or gas grill, knowing the dos and don’ts of summer grilling will keep you safe! We’ve compiled the best barbecue safety tips from grillmasters that will keep everything flame-free this summertime. You don’t have to stay at the beach to safely grill! Even if you plan to cook over an open flame at home, our barbecue safety tips are full of best practices to follow.
So, grab your propane, charcoal, tongs, and get ready to fire up the grill! You can pick up your favorite cut of meat at your local grocery store or butcher shop, or even some fresh Gulf catch from a local seafood market.
Do:
Grill Outdoors and Away From Any Structures
Did you know your grill should be at least 10 feet away from your house? The farther away, the better. If you’re staying in a beach home with a grill, you may find the grill underneath a carport or a covered porch. If you can, relocate the grill to a more open area. Be sure not to use underneath a wooden overhang either!
Keep Decorations Away From Your Grill
While balloons and umbrellas provide a fun backdrop for your summer grilling fun, they also provide fuel for a fire. These are normally made of fibers that burn fast and hot, so set them up as far away from the grill as possible.
Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
It’s important to keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case you need to put out a fire. Having baking soda on hand will also help control a grease fire. Never use water to put out a grease fire!
Check for Gas Leaks
If you are grilling on a gas grill, checking for gas leaks only takes a couple of minutes and is an important step to staying safe. To test this, make a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water. Rub it on the hoses and connections, then turn the gas on with the grill lid open. If the soap forms large bubbles, then the hoses have tiny holes or the connections are not tight enough.
Don’t:
Leave a Grill Unattended
This goes without saying, but once you fire up the grill, keep your eyes on it until you shut it off! If you still have some food preparation left, enlist someone else in your group to help.
Turn the Gas on While the Grill Lid is Closed
Never do this! It can cause the gas to build up inside the grill, which becomes detrimental when the lid is opened. If you’re cooking on a gas grill, always leave the lid open.
Overload the Grill With Food
If you’re cooking fatty meats, it’s important not to overload the grill. Too much fat can drip onto the flames at once, which can spark a large flare up. A best practice is to cook your meats in stages to avoid setting anything on fire!
We hope you like our barbecue safety tips for this month’s Southern Scoop! Since we’ve got you covered from Panama City, Florida to Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan Alabama, make sure to browse on over to our events page to find out about what’s happening in your vacation area! Thank you for being a part of the Southern family, we’ll see you next month with another featured tip!
