Hobbsr: Grilling Safety 101

Friday, June 12, 2015

Grilling Safety 101

Summertime grilling is one of life's great joys. The sunshine, the charred aroma, the grill marks -- everything tastes better off the grill.

But as with anything fun, it can also be dangerous -- often because you are too busy having fun to be careful. Whether you're tailgating, or in the back yard, here are some tips to keep you safe while grilling out this summer:

Don't grill inside. Unless you're working with one of those George Foreman indoor/outdoor grills, you need to be outside, preferably a safe distance from the house. Aside from the obvious fire risks, smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fire-related death.
Don't be flammable. Sounds simple, right? But you may have flammable chemicals on you and not know. Stay away from a lit grill if you've just applied sunscreen, or if you may have gotten some gas on your work clothes.
Don't underestimate propane. We think of gas as being easier to use than charcoal, but we're not all Hank Hill when it comes to mastery of a propane grill, and gas can be dangerous. Be especially careful when igniting or re-igniting the grill, as high levels released or leaked propane can flare up, causing severe burns.
Don't swallow grill brush bristles. This may seem self-explanatory, but those brushes can deteriorate over time and the bristles can come loose, get stuck in food, and lodge themselves into your esophagus. Grill brushes are great for maintaining your grill; just make sure you maintain your brush as well.

And in other grill safety news, you may want to steer clear of the Heart Attack Grill. The name might sound like a funny ode to their cholesterol-laden menu, when in fact it is as serious as a ... well, you get it.

All the safety warnings in the world can't prevent every grilling accident, so if you or a loved one has been injured in a grilling mishap, you may want to consult with an experienced injury attorney to see if you have a claim.

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