Grilling… mmmmmm

Labor Day is approaching. One last summer get together. Some bar-b-que, friends, family. That last big one before the changing of the tides. A great time. But did you know that gas grills continue to be the number one cause of residential fires due to leaks and breaks? Although July is the peak month for fires, it’s never too late to be prepared.

Statistics show that from the years 2011 – 2015, fire departments responded to over 9,600 home fires each year involving grills, hibachis or deep fryers. Of those 9,600 fires, 4,100 resulted in structure fires. Cooking fires have sent over 16,600 patients each year to the emergency room. Grilling fires result in $118 million in property damages each year.

Did you know that 32% of grill fires on residential properties start on patios, terraces, screened in porches and courtyards? 32%!!

WOW! Those are some crazy statistics. Grilling has been around since…well I think I can safely say the beginning of time (or at least as old as my sister since we say she is old as dirt, right?) Seems like it anyway. It’s always been what we do as humans in the summer months. And honestly, if you have that die-hard griller, in the winter months, too. Do you know if you’re grilling safely? Here are some tips that might help you prevent a fire while grilling.

• Make sure your grill is properly cleaned and stored after use
  • Left over grease/food particles could easily spark a fire
• Make sure your grill is at a minimum of 10 feet from any combustibles including buildings. Some cities or municipals might even require a further distance such as 25 feet.
  • Combustibles include and are not limited to building walls, decks, patios, trees, shrubs and brush.
  • If your house is turning black from when you use your grill – YOU ARE TOO CLOSE.
  • Burning ash falling from un der your grill can easily spark a fire on a deck/patio
• Never leave the grill unattended.
  • Anything from kids or dogs running around to wind have the potential to knock your grill over.
  • Unattended food has the potential to start on fire, especially if there is dropping grease
• Make sure all grilling equipment is in good working condition such as checking for leaks/breaks in gas lines, etc.
  • You could have a fire or even an explosion if your connections on a gas grill are incorrect, broke, leaking, etc.
• Do not use your grill as a heating device.
  • Does this one need an explanation?

There are actually some companies that will exclude a loss by fire if caused by grilling, deep frying or any heating operations of any kind if on decks, patio’s, porches or balconies of residential dwellings. And in the case of apartment buildings, rental dwellings, etc., not only may the insurance carrier exclude a loss of this nature, but your landlord might make it part of your lease that you cannot grill near or on any combustible material.

Safety should always be a priority. Don’t risk ruining your great summer by not following some of these simple preventive measures. As always folks, if you have questions if your policy may have this exclusion or not, reach out to your agent. Let’s make sure you’re covered.