4 Important Barbecue Safety Tips

Summer in Colorado is perhaps the perfect time of year for gathering with friends and family to enjoy outdoor grilling and barbecuing. But with three out of five households having a grill, it can unfortunately create a safety hazard, and care should be taken when operating barbecues Colorado. Here are for important safety tips for keeping everyone safe this summer.

1) Place Barbecues at a Safe Distance from Dwellings

Over the course of any given year, there is an average of 8,800 home fires that are caused by barbecuing. That's why it's important to keep barbecues well away from homes or any other type of dwelling that could catch fire. Usually, 15 feet or more is a good number to aim for. 

Even if a fire does occur, it's unlikely to spread if it's an adequate distance away from a structure. It's also smart to keep barbecues away from deck railings, overhanging branches or anything else that could be a fire hazard.

2) Have a Fire Extinguisher Close By

When it comes to operating barbecues in Colorado, it's a good idea to be prepared in case a fire does occur and have the right tools available to promptly put it out. An easy way to prepare is to simply have a fire extinguisher close by to keep a fire contained and prevent it from spreading. It's also advised to practice using a fire extinguisher ahead of time so a person will be ready in case of an emergency.

3) Prevent Grease Build Up

As grease accumulates on a barbecue, it can be a serious safety problem. It can lead to flare-ups which not only burns food, but can be extremely dangerous from a fire standpoint. Even after only a few cookouts, there can be enough grease to create a fire hazard. That's why it's important to routinely clean a grill so that grease never has a chance to build up.

4) Don't Leave a Grill Unattended

Finally, a grill should never be left alone for any length of time. This is a disaster waiting to happen, and a small problem can turn to a major one without anyone around to supervise. If children are present, then an adult should be there to monitor them.

Barbecues in Colorado are great fun, but it's necessary to follow a few safety guidelines when grilling. Doing so should keep everyone safe and greatly reduce the chances of a fire.