In our last blog, we talked about ways to grill healthy. But we also want you to do it safely! Usually, grilled food is cooked up without a hitch – especially on an easy-to-use propane grill.
But any time you’re dealing with fire and grease, accidents are always a possibility – and it’s important for you to know exactly what to do, and not to do, if you have a grease fire or flare-up.
How To Handle A Grill Fire
Here’s what you should do if your flame-broiling goes a bit too far:
Be prepared before you act:
Have your cell phone ready to make an emergency call
Keep a fire extinguisher, gloves and either baking soda, sand or kosher salt near your grill to extinguish flames.
If it’s safe to do so,
Turn off the grill’s burners.
Remove the food and smother the flames by throwing baking soda, sand, or kosher salt over it. NEVER use water to extinguish a grease fire or flare-up.
Close the lid and any grill vents to further starve the fire of oxygen.
If the propane tank has become part of the fire, or if the fire expands out of control, evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department.
Tips For Avoiding A Grease Fire And Flare-Ups
Of course, the best way to deal with grease fires and flare-ups is to avoid them in the first place. Here are the best ways to do it.
Clean your grill regularly, following instructions from your manufacturer. Regular cleaning will greatly reduce the risk of fire (your food will taste better, too).
Grease sometimes pools in the firebox area around the burners. If it is safe to do so, turn off the gas and leave the lid open so the grease can burn off.
Always cook with the lid down, and leave it down during cooking time.
Oil the food, not the grates.
If you experience a grease flare-up,
Immediately move the food to a warming rack, using long-handled tongs
Slowly re-place food at the center of the grill to let fat burn off; continue this process for each item.
Once all food has been returned to the grill, finish cooking with a watchful eye.
Grill safely and often this summer with propane cylinder re-fills from Roach Energy – available at convenient locations in our West Virginia service area. Visit us today for a convenient propane cylinder exchange in WV!
In our last blog, we talked about ways to grill healthy. But we also want you to do it safely!