Grilling season might have kicked off back in May, with Memorial Day, but with the long summer days, kitchens too warm for cooking, and the Fourth of July weekend, it’s official: it’s time to grill.

Unfortunately, grilling season overlaps with grilling injury season. In fact, according the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 17,000 people went to the emergency room because of injuries involving grills in 2012.

As if that’s not bad enough, each year an average of 8,800 home fires are caused by grilling. Add it all up, and it’s an annual average of $37 million in damages—and 10 deaths, according to the US Fire Administration.

This summer, these common-sense tips will help you keep your family, your home, and yourself safe when you’re manning the grill.

• Place your grill appropriately: outdoors, on a level surface, a safe distance away from structures and landscaping. Once the grill is lit, do not move it.
• Do not cover or store your grill until it has completely cooled down.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill.
• Wear a heavy apron and oven mitts while grilling.
• Do not use gasoline or other flammable liquids to light a charcoal fire. Use only lighter fluid designed by grilling (and never add more lighter fluid once the fire has started).

And before you even get started:

• Inspect your grill! Look for cracks or holes in the grill hoses. Check for blockages (caused by food drippings or insects) and clear them away with a wire or pipe cleaner.
• Check for a gas leak: run a solution of one part liquid soap, one part water, along hoses and connections. Then open the valve at the tank. A gas leak will reveal itself with bubbles.
• Adjust hoses so they are not close to hot areas or spots where grease might drip on them.

Happy grilling!

Beall Financial and Insurance Services has been working with business-owners for more than 25 years to help them protect their most important assets, and their companies’ future. If you have questions about insurance coverage for your business, contact us.