Get Grilling: Safety Tips and More

Grilling is a beloved summertime activity that brings friends and family together for delicious meals and memorable moments. As you fire up your grill, it is crucial to prioritize safety to ensure a fun and accident-free experience. Let’s explore how you can grill with confidence, knowing that you are taking all the right precautions to keep your family safe.

Grill smart, save energy:

• Preheat your barbecue for only as long as necessary; 10-15 minutes is usually sufficient
• Try to cook everything on an aluminum grill grate, which spreads heat evenly requiring less fuel
• Cook with the lid closed to retain heat and help food cook faster
• Try to cook multiple things at once to avoid repeatedly reheating the grill
• Opt for natural gas or propane over charcoal to reduce overall energy consumption
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking
• Turn off grill promptly to conserve fuel

Location:

• Place grill on flat surface
• Keep grill at least 10 feet away form your house or building
• Avoid grilling near trees, shrubs, furniture, siding, deck rails, branches and more
• Only use grill outside
• Check area for restrictions regarding fires or grills
• Grill away from play areas and heavy foot traffic

Safety:

• Never leave lit grill unattended
• Use a long match to avoid burning your fingers
• Use lighter fluid for intended use
• Do not use gasoline or other flammable liquid for charcoal fire
• Keep children and pets away from open flames
• Keep grilling related items away from pets including foil and plastic wraps that can cause intestinal blockage
• Keep raw meat and bones away from animals
• Use long handled grilling tools
• Keep food wrappers, oven mitt, and towels 3 feet from flame
• Avoid wearing dangling clothing items that can easily catch fire
• Always have fire extinguisher nearby
• By avoiding excessive preheating and grilling, you conserve energy and can still achieve the perfect sear

As you gather with loved ones to grill out and enjoy the summer sun, remember that safety should come first. We believe that enjoying your favorite dishes and summer activities doesn’t have to come with the expense of high energy consumption. By following these tips, we have shared, you can keep your loved ones safe, while saving energy and avoiding fires. Happy grilling and stay safe!

Did you know you can also enroll in a fixed-rate plan with an energy supply provider, like AEP Energy to further lower your energy costs and protect your bills from fluctuating rates? Learn more here.

Sources:
https://www.firstalert.com/ca/en/safety-corner/grilling-safety-tips/
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/grilling
https://www.hpba.org/
https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/1997/CPSC-Releases-Grill-Safety-Tips#:~:text=%2D%2D%20Never%20use%20a%20grill,surface%20that%20can%20catch%20fire

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