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Cooking the Burgers and Staying Fire-Safe | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to get your space back in shape.
Summer has finally rolled around again, and it is time to get outdoors and spend your days with the ones you love the most. Texas summers might get hot, but it is also the best time to break out the grill and cook endless amounts of burgers.
Did you know that grills, when used improperly, are one of the leading causes of house fires in the summer? We may all love cooking over an open flame, but it can turn dangerous in a matter of seconds. SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito wants to ensure that you are able to enjoy all the grilling you heart desires—without the worry of fire.
As you dust the winter grime off of your grill, think about where you are going to place it. Grills should be in an area that is open and clear of overhangs and combustible materials. Harlingen weather can get rainy over the summer, but you still shouldn’t move the grill to the garage. The heat and flames can quickly toast and damage anything above them.
When you find a spot that is open, make sure it is also at least 10 feet from any structures. This 10-foot barrier should also be a kid- and pet-free zone, so make sure everyone in the family understands to keep back while you are cooking.
Charcoal grills should be cleaned every time they are used. Ash and any other buildup should be removed, and the body of the grill needs to be inspected for signs of wear and tear. Spend time inspecting your propane grill as well. Make sure connections are tight and look for holes in the gas line.
Even after you have inspected everything on the grill, take a look at your supplies before firing anything up. Make sure you have a squirt bottle handy to extinguish any flames that grow too tall, and put a garden hose or fire extinguisher somewhere you can quickly access it if things do get out of control.
While you certainly deserve some applause for your hard work, let someone else take the food once it is cooked while you shut everything down. Turn off the gas and any burners you might have been using. If charcoal is your primary source of fuel, close any vents in order to cut the oxygen supply and start the cooling process.
Remove ashes as quickly as you can safely do so, disposing of them in a metal can. These can easily catch flame again, so it’s best to remove them from the source of heat. Check your grill before you call it a day and ensure it has properly cooled down.
San Benito brings some beautiful summer weather. You deserve to enjoy every moment of it without fear of a disaster striking. Take the time to grill safely, and keep SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito’s number in your contact list. We can respond 24⁄7 when flames do get out of hand to get your home put back together quickly.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito for a fast restoration.