Outdoor Cooking Fire Prevention

Summer is grilling time but accidents can happen. More than 5,000 grill fires take place on properties each year, according to the U.S Fire Administration.

Here are some barbecue safety tips for a safe and fun barbecue season:

Always inspect your fuel line, burners and igniter to make sure they are in good condition, with no cracks or leaks. Cracks and leaks can be identified by spraying soapy water on hoses and connections. A pervasive smell of gas or an irregular flame gas may also signal a leak or crack.
The grill assembly should be checked to insure insects (or other critters) have not nested there, clogging up the grill.

Set up your grill in an open area, away from buildings and combustible materials.
Never grill indoors.
Operate your barbecue on a level surface.

Keep the grill in the shade. The sun increases the pressure in the tank, which can lead to leaks.
Wear a heavy apron and/or oven mitts that reach high on the forearm.
Don’t wear baggy clothing while grilling.
Follow the manufacturer’s lighting instructions, and with all grill models, keep the lid open and do not lean over the grill when lighting it.
Keep children and pets away from the grill.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Remember: the grill will remain hot for a while after cooking. Do not cover or store the grill until it has cooled down.

This material is informational only. It is not intended to be, and is not in fact, a statement, in whole or in part, of GNY’s underwriting guidelines. Nothing said here amends or affects the interpretation, application, or both, of the coverage provisions in any GNY insurance policy; nor do the statements made here constitute a representation that insurance coverage exists for any loss under any GNY policy. Coverage depends on facts and circumstances of each individual claim or loss, the applicable laws, and the policy provisions in the GNY insurance policy.