Grill Safety 101

Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching and that means it’s time to fire up the grill and enjoy the out of doors to the fullest.  If you enjoy grilling, protect your family and friends from personal injury and your NJ home from the peril of fire and resulting property damage and follow the grill manufacturer’s safety precautions.  

Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind.

• Whether or not you’re using your grill for the first time it’s very important to read the manufacturer’s instruction manual and safety warnings.  Can’t find your instruction manual? Don’t worry; most grill manufacturers post their user manuals on their website.
• Summer BBQ’s and cookouts are fun but fires are not!  Check to make sure you have the correct type of fire extinguisher nearby and fully charged in case a fire gets out of hand.  Do Not put water on a grease fire – it will increase the volatility of the fire.
• Inspect and maintain your grill on a regular basis to avoid potential problems. Most grill fires are prevented by proper maintenance; maintain proper flow of fuel, and avoiding fuel leaks.
  • If something doesn’t look right on your grill you consult a qualified repair service or replace it.
• Avoid using too much lighter fluid to ignite the charcoal or wood in a grill which can be dangerous to people and lead to burns or hostile fire threatening nearby property.
• Locate your grill outdoors and safely away from other flammable materials.  Keep it on level ground and at a safe distance from your family and guests.  A tip when deciding where to put a grill is to imagine a large hostile fire around the grill and make sure that nothing is in the fire’s path.
• There’s nothing wrong with having some beer or cocktails with your BBQ but just keep the alcohol away from the grill. Wait until after you’re done cooking to open a cold one and keep those who started before you at a safe distance away from the grilling area.
• Accidents do happen, so check your New Jersey homeowner’s Insurance coverage and contact your NJ insurance agent for a NJ homeowner policy review. 

Remembering these grilling safety tips will ensure good grilling times while helping prevent personal injury and loss to property.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 28% percent of fires are caused by grilling accidents with only 6% of those starting in the kitchen.  When it comes to home insurance in NJ, Dickstein Associates Agency is ready to help you find the policy that best suit your lifestyle, needs, and budget.  

About Dickstein Associates Agency, LLC

Since 1965, Dickstein Associates Agency has served New Jersey residents and commercial enterprises with comprehensive risk management and affordable insurance solutions.  The agency’s mission is to offer a full suite of competitive products and services matched to the lifestyle needs of the client.  And as a Trusted Choice™ agency, Dickstein Associates Agency, LLC is committed to serving every customer as a person, not a policy, so contact them today for all your insurance needs.