Eight Tips for Outdoor Cooking Safety You Should Know

August 9, 2016

During the summer and cooler autumn months, Americans enjoy cooking outdoors. Favorite methods include grilling, deep-frying, and boiling. While nothing beats a nicely charred kabob, a deep-fried turkey, or some freshly boiled peanuts, outdoor cooking comes with certain risks.

Fires, burns, smoke inhalation, and explosions can turn fun-filled afternoons into tragedies. According to a 2016 report from the National Fire Protection Association, grills are responsible for 8,900 residential fires every year, and gas grills account for more fires than charcoal grills. Numerous people seek medical treatment after accidents involving grills, highlighting the real dangers of outdoor cooking.

The next time you turn on the propane, set up those charcoal briquettes, or put an oversized pot on the burner, remember these safety tips:

Choose an appropriate location. Place all cooking equipment on a sturdy surface away from railings, eaves, and low tree branches. The area should feature appropriate ventilation and sit out of the way of foot traffic. Try to keep all grills and outdoor cooking appliances as far from the home as you can.

Prep the station. Check the trays underneath the grill and heating element for excess grease and other fire hazards. Remove any debris. Place a spray bottle nearby for small flames on the grill, and keep an outdoor hose within reach of the cooking station. Prepare your food and locate all the long-handled grilling utensils and platters you’ll need. Accidents may occur if a cook leaves the station to locate cooking supplies.

Wear the right attire. As with indoor cooking, loose, flowing clothing can ignite easily. Check loose sleeves, shirttails, and fringes before starting the cooking process, and keep some heat-resistant handling mitts nearby.

Start your grill. Always open a gas grill lid before lighting to prevent the buildup of potentially explosive fumes. Use appropriate starter fluids for charcoal and other types of grills. If you use a nonstick spray for your grill grates, spray the grill before you start it, and then remove spray from the cooking area. Many nonstick spray containers are under pressure and can explode under high heat.

Supervise children and pets. Instruct children to stay away from the grill and keep pets at a safe distance. A curious young child or dog can easily sustain burns from touching a hot grill. Use extreme caution with children and pets when boiling large pots of water or frying outdoors.

Keep your owner’s manual handy. Like any other equipment, grills and outdoor cooking equipment require occasional maintenance. If you have a gas grill, check the gas line for leaks at the start of each cooking season. Follow all instructions regarding routine maintenance.

Cool down in the right way. Some outdoor cooks prefer to burn off all food residue immediately after taking food off of a grill. If you do so, stay with the grill until you can turn off the flame to avoid accidentally forgetting about it. Turn off the gas supply after each cooking session, and discard charcoal remains only if they’re completely cool.

Grab a first aid kit. Prepare for minor burns and more-serious accidents with a burn kit. If you travel away from the home to a park for outdoor grilling, pack the burn kit in with the grilling supplies. A basic burn kits should include antiseptic and pain-relieving ointments, gauze and bandages, and burn gels.

Cooking outdoors is a fun way to enjoy the season, good company, and fantastic food. With basic precautions in place, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury during all your outdoor cooking festivities.

If you’ve been injured in a cooking related accident because of the negligence of the chef, contact our Houston personal injury lawyers today

The post Eight Tips for Outdoor Cooking Safety You Should Know appeared first on GES Injury Attorneys.

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