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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Enjoying Your Backyard BBQ Without Starting a Fire | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

8/10/2023 (Permalink)

Man holding tongs above grill preparing food outdoors Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda to get your space back in shape.

Summertime in the Buffalo area is always a season to embrace with open arms. It’s warm, it’s sunny and there is so much to see and do around here. One of our favorite activities is dusting off our BBQ grills and enjoying an afternoon with family and friends, and we are sure it’s one of your favorite pastimes as well!

But before you fire up your own grill, you need to make sure you are setting yourself up for success. July is the peak month for grill fires, and we want you to be safe and enjoy your party without the risk of fire. Our SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda team explains some helpful fire prevention tips below.

Setting Up Your Space Safely

The first step is to find a space to put your grill that is both outside and away from anything combustible. That may sound obvious, but this also includes your garage even with the door open and any overhangs off of the roof. Your grill needs to vent safely as well as have a safe place for that heat and smoke to go.

It should also be at least 10 feet away from the side of your home or a deck railing. This barrier should be a kid-free and pet-free zone as well, as a single accident could lead to the grill tipping over or a severe burn.

Next, it is time for inspections! Charcoal grills should be clean and free of ash buildup, and don’t forget to check the basin for dents, cracks or deformities. Propane grills should be cleaned as well and you should be checking the gas lines to make sure they are secure. A leaky line could be causing a slow gas leak, which is a huge safety concern and fire hazard.

Controlling the Flames

Once you have lit your grill and are cooking away, stay close by to man the flames. You should have your hose or fire extinguisher ready to use at a moment’s notice, and consider keeping a spray bottle nearby to help knock down smaller flames or sparks.

After the food is grilled to perfection, start the process of shutting everything down. Scatter the coals of your charcoal grill and close the vents, or close gas lines and propane tanks on your propane grill. Remove any ash buildup and put it into a metal can. Before you retire for the night, go outside one more time to check that everything is cooled and the fire is completely out.

We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and take advantage of the great weather here in the Buffalo area. Remember, accidents can happen at any time regardless if you do your best to avoid them, so call SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda for a fast restoration day or night.

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

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