Summer is a great time to have backyard barbecues with friends and family. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grill fires are responsible for more than 7,000 injuries each year in the United States. Our firm wants you to be informed of steps you can take to avoid a grill fire while barbecuing this summer.
In order to stay safe while grilling, you need to:
- Keep the barbecue a safe distance away from any buildings. As a rule, you should keep your barbecue at least 10 feet away from your home. This also applies to carports, garages, porches, overhangs, and other structures. It is also necessary to keep the grill away from decorations, trees, and shrubbery. A flare up could ignite nearby objects, so keeping the grill isolated can increase your safety.
- Monitor the grill at all times. A grill fire can grow up to double its size every minute. If you aren’t watching, it may be too late to stop a destructive blaze. That is why you need to prepare all food beforehand so you can stay with the grill while it is in use.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and spray bottle of water close by. Having a spray bottle of water is handy for small flare ups. The water will douse the flames without harming your food. However, for bigger fires, it is important to have a fire extinguisher on hand, and to know how to use it properly.
- Check for gas leaks. One way to do this is to mix dish soap with water and spray or brush this mixture onto the gas hose and connections. Then turn on the gas and watch for bubbles to form. If bubbles appear, this means there is a leak. Turn off the gas, tighten the connections or replace the hose, and check once more to ensure there are no leaks before starting the grill.
If You Have Been Injured on Someone Else’s Property, Mitchell & West LLC Is Here to Help.
Mitchell & West LLC has guided countless clients to successful outcomes. We believe negligent property owners must be held responsible for endangering the lives of others. If you were injured in a grill fire, slip and fall, or another accident on someone else’s property, our Miami personal injury attorneys will work diligently to build your case. We will discuss your options, communicate honestly and clearly with you, and represent you aggressively as you seek justice from negligent or reckless property owners.
Contact our team today to schedule an initial consultation.