What Are Some Fire Safety Tips That Will Help Me Have A Safe, Fun Summer?

6/12/2023 (Permalink)

One of the things we like best about summer here in Middle Tennessee is spending time outdoors in the evenings. Surrounded by fireflies, beautiful vegetation, and our loved ones, it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill or light the firepit to enjoy these memorable times for as long as possible! (We’re pretty sure you agree with us!)

When handled safely, fire is not dangerous, but people sometimes don’t realize they aren’t following safety procedures correctly. We want your summer to be as fun - and as safe - as it can be, so today, we’ve got some fire safety tips you can use to make sure the party never stops.

Keep reading for grilling and firepit safety recommendations!

What Are Some Top Safety Tips For Hermitage/Donelson Residents Using Grills This Summer?

Here are our top fire safety tips for those grill masters out there:

• Remember: charcoal and gas grills are designed for outdoor use only. When you set up your grill, pay close attention to overhanging tree branches.
• Be sure to set up your grill on a flat surface so that the grill can’t tip over. Use a grill pad or splatter mat under your grill to protect your patio or deck. 
• Remove grease or fat buildup from your grill and the tray below the grill. If you use a charcoal grill, allow the coals to cool off before disposing them in a metal container. 
• Check your gas tank hose for leaks by applying a light solution of soap and water to the hose and turning on the gas to test it before the first barbecue of the summer. Bubbling will alert you to any leaks. Other signs of a propane leak include a flame that won't light or the smell of gas near the barbecue. 
• Only use charcoal starter fluid for your charcoal grill. If the fire starts to go out, never add any starter fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.  
• If your gas grill flame goes out, turn your grill and the gas off immediately. Wait at least five minutes to re-light it. 
• Clothing can easily catch fire, so always be careful to keep your shirttails, sleeves, or apron strings away from the grill. 
• Keep a sand bucket next to the grill if you don’t have a fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire; baking soda is best here.

What Are Some Important Firepit Safety Rules To Follow?

Several of the rules for grilling fire safety apply when using a firepit, and here are a few top tips specific to firepits, too:

• Before striking the match, ensure that your firepit is at least 10 feet away from anything flammable, including your house and overhead tree branches.
• Always burn dry, seasoned wood cut at least six months earlier. To keep sparks from flying, ensure logs are no longer than three-quarters of the pit’s diameter.
• Never use lighter fluid, gas, or kerosene to light a fire.

If the worst happens, call the team at SERVPRO of Hermitage/Donelson! We handle all types of large and small disasters, including fire damage, water damage, odor removal, and much more! 

Call us at (615) 885 3906 in case of any disaster. 

This franchise is locally owned and operated.