Summertime means outdoor fun and grilled food, but problems can arise. Protect your family, home, and property by following these safe grilling do’s and don’ts. 

Do: 

• Inspect the grill: If you haven’t used it for a while, check the grill and fuel tank for rust, wear and other damage. You don’t want it tipping over or falling apart while you cook.
• Check for leaks: If you have a gas grill, check the valve and hose for leaks before firing it up. Simply sponge a water and dish soap solution onto the valve and hose, then turn on the gas. Watch the line carefully for bubbles, which is the sign that there is a leak. Do not ignite the grill while performing this test.
• Keep your distance: Always grill outside and stay at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, trees and other structures. Check that the grill is clear on all sides and that there is nothing hanging over it that can be damaged from heat or smoke. If you are grilling as part of a celebratory event, be sure that you declare the cooking area a decoration-free zone.
• Steady as she goes: Place the grill on a flat, stable, non-combustible surface to avoid tip-overs and other damage. While many people grill on a wood deck, this is not a good idea because it is a natural fire hazard. 
• Keep it clean: Dirty grills with fat buildup or grease residue can result in flare ups and other problems when the grill is turned on or heating, so be sure it’s clean before you start. Also, if using coals, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a metal container. 
• Be attentive: Never leave the grill unattended for any reason and be mindful that you are cooking on an open flame. Keep a close eye on kids and pets, assuring that they do not play near the grill area. 
• Be prepared: Keep a fire extinguisher within a few steps of your grill and, just as important, know how to use it. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, use a bucket of sand but never, ever use water. Finally, if you are having trouble please call 911 and let the experts handle the situation. 

Don’t:

• Turn the gas on when the grill lid is closed:  Doing this no-no causes gas to build up inside the grill. When you then light it and open the lid, a fireball can explode in your face. So just don’t…
• Overload the grill: This is especially true when cooking fatty meat. If too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up that lights nearby people and things on fire. 
• Dress to impress: Apron strings, untucked shirttails, long sleeves and other clothing items can catch fire when dangled over the flames.
• Rush to relight: When using a gas grill and the flame goes out, don’t restart it immediately. Instead, turn the grill and gas off, wait and at least five minutes, and then relight. 

Grilling is a great way to bring people together over the summer or just to enjoy a nice evening with your family. Keep things on a happy note by following these and other common-sense safety rules to avoid a 911 call or an insurance claim. 

At Alliance, we work with the best insurance providers in Florida and have helped thousands of families find the right home, auto, health, and life insurance to fit their needs and budgets. We make it easy to find the best coverage so call us today at (866) 771-4715 to speak with one of our expert agents or simply request an online quote.