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Home Grilling Safety Tips: How to Keep the Flame and the Fun Under Control

July 7, 2025

Grilling at Home

As temperatures rise, outdoor grilling becomes a staple of the season. Whether it’s burgers on a charcoal grill or veggies sizzling on propane, there’s nothing quite like the smell of a backyard barbecue. But with nearly 9,000 home fires involving grills reported annually by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it’s essential to prioritize safety before you light the flame.

Here are some simple but important tips to ensure your grilling season stays safe and enjoyable:

Grill Placement Matters

  • Keep your grill at least 3 feet away from your home, outdoor furniture, trees, and anything else that could catch fire.

  • Never use your grill under an overhang, roof, or near low-hanging branches. Even a small flare-up could lead to serious damage.

  • Avoid grilling in enclosed or unventilated areas like garages or porches -this poses both fire and carbon monoxide risks.

Protect Your Family and Pets

  • Keep children and pets away from the grilling zone until the grill has completely cooled.

  • Create a safety perimeter and make sure kids know it’s off-limits.

Gas Grill Safety Tips

  • Always check the connection between the propane tank and fuel line for leaks before firing it up.

  • If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas immediately and have the unit serviced – never use a match to check for gas.

  • If your flame goes out mid-cook, turn off the gas and wait at least five minutes before attempting to relight.

Charcoal Grill Precautions

  • Only use starter fluid designed for charcoal grills – never for gas grills.

  • Store starter fluid away from heat sources and out of reach of children.

Avoid Burns and Flare-Ups

  • Use long-handled utensils to keep your hands a safe distance from the flames.

  • Keep baking soda nearby to extinguish small grease fires safely (never use water on a grease fire).

 Be Prepared

  • Keep a fire extinguisher or water source close by.

  • Stay by your grill while cooking – unattended grills are one of the top causes of fire incidents.

Grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and bring people together – but a little caution goes a long way. Following these safety guidelines can help you enjoy a summer full of great meals and peace of mind.

Have questions about protecting your home or need more seasonal safety tips? Reach out to our team – we’re here to help you stay safe all year long.