With the warm weather here, it means it’s barbecue season for many across Ontario! Whether you’re flipping burgers on a weekday evening or hosting a backyard gathering, grilling is a summer tradition that everyone can enjoy. However, fire, gas, and food safety hazards are real concerns, and taking a few precautions can help prevent injuries and insurance claims. At isure, your safety is our priority! We’ve put together the top BBQ safety tips that every grill master, rookie or pro should know before firing up the grill.
BBQ Safety And Frequent Questions
Is It Safe To Leave A BBQ Unattended?
No. A barbecue should never be left unattended while in use. Grease flare-ups and unexpected fires can spread quickly, causing injuries or property damage.
How Far Should A BBQ Be From Your Home?
Most fire safety experts recommend keeping a BBQ at least 10 feet (3 metres) away from your home, deck railings, fences, and combustible materials.
Can You Use A Propane BBQ In A Garage?
No. Propane and gas grills should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Using a BBQ in a garage can cause carbon monoxide buildup and increase the risk of fire.
What Should You Do If A Grease Fire Starts?
Turn off the gas supply if it is safe to do so, close the lid, and use baking soda or a Class B fire extinguisher. Never use water on a grease fire.
Does Home Insurance Cover BBQ Fires?
Many home insurance policies cover fire damage caused by BBQs, but coverage varies by insurer and circumstances. Homeowners should review their policy details and speak with their insurance provider.
What Are The Most Important BBQ Safety Tips?
The most important BBQ safety tips include never leaving a grill unattended, keeping the BBQ clean, checking gas connections regularly, grilling outdoors only, opening the lid before ignition, and keeping children and pets away from the cooking area. Following these precautions can help prevent fires, injuries, and property damage.
1. Always Read Your BBQ’s Instruction Manual
Reading your BBQ’s manual is the first step to safe grilling. Every model operates a bit differently, especially when switching between charcoal, gas, and propane grills. Take the time to:
- Understand the specific ignition process of your grill.
- Different dishes will require different settings, so you’ll need to learn how to adjust heat and flames properly.
- Review any cleaning or maintenance recommendations.
Even if you’re experienced, refreshing your knowledge is never a bad idea. This tip is one of the easiest ways to ensure BBQ safety.
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2. Never Leave the Grill Unattended
Fire can spread quickly, especially with flare-ups from grease or food drippings. On a hot day, it can be tempting to take a dip or head inside while your food is cooking; however, that is never a smart idea! Always keep a close eye on your barbecue while it’s in use. Be sure to assign one adult to monitor the grill at all times, and keep young children and pets at a safe distance. Have a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
3. Keep Your BBQ Clean and Debris-Free
As a key BBQ safety tip, built-up grease, leftover food particles, and insect nests (yes, they love grills too) can block gas flow and cause dangerous flare-ups.
Cleaning checklist:
- Scrub grates before and after each use.
- Clean out drip trays and grease traps.
- Inspect burner ports for clogs or rust.
Alternatively, you can hire a barbecue cleaning service, such as Grill Hero or Jiffy, to do the deep cleaning and sanitizing for you. It is important to remember that if a grease fire occurs, never use water to extinguish it! Instead, use baking soda or a fire extinguisher designed for Class B fires.
4. Remove BBQ Grease Build-Up Regularly
Grease is one of the biggest fire hazards when barbecuing. Whether you’re using propane, gas, charcoal, or a smoker, always scrape and clean all grill surfaces with a (metal-free) scraper. We like this one by Grill Pro! A good habit to get into is cleaning both the top and bottom of your grill after each use. This will prevent flare-ups and, better yet, improve the overall quality of your food!
5. Avoid Alcohol And Smoking While Operating the Grill
We get it, summer cookouts and cold drinks go hand in hand. But for your safety and everyone else’s, avoid consuming alcohol while you’re in charge of the grill. Grilling requires full attention, and alcohol slows your reflexes and judgment. At the same time, it is important never to smoke or light any matches while checking gas connections or barbecuing. Stay safe and enjoy your drink after the food is cooked!
6. Be Smart About How You Cook Meat
Did you know that overcooked, charred meats can contain harmful compounds called Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs)? These are cancer-causing substances. Thankfully, this risk can be minimized by following these guidelines:
- Use marinades (can reduce HCAs by up to 98%)
- Avoid overcooking or charring meats
- Grill smaller cuts (like kebabs)
- Cook at lower temperatures (below 600°F)
7. Never Use Your Grill Indoors
The location of your grill plays a huge part in BBQ safety. Grills—especially propane and gas—should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Never use a BBQ inside a garage, shed, or enclosed porch, even if it’s raining. When you’re outside, make sure you always grill on a flat, non-combustible surface away from any overhangs and siding. Grilling indoors can lead to these very dangerous safety hazards:
- Carbon monoxide buildup
- Fire hazards
- Damage to your property
8. Open the Lid Before Igniting Your Grill
Before you start your gas or propane grill, open the lid first. If the lid is closed, gas pressure can build up inside and cause a dangerous fireball when lit. As you can imagine, this can be pretty dangerous. This one small BBQ safety tip helps prevent accidental flare-ups and serious injuries.
9. Use Long-Handled BBQ Utensils
BBQ safety goes beyond just your BBQ; it also involves the tools you use! Avoid getting too close to the flame by using long-handled grilling tools. These utensils help protect your hands and arms from heat, sparks, and steam. Look for heat-resistant handles with a sturdy stainless steel design. BBQ utensils include tongs, spatulas, grill forks, and brushes.
10. Ensure Your Grill is Stable
Set your BBQ on a level surface like concrete, stone, or a heat-safe deck. A wobbly grill can tip over, causing fires, injuries, or worse. Consider placing a grill mat or splatter pad under your barbecue to protect your patio or deck from grease and flare-ups.
11. Schedule A Checkup With A TSSA-registered HVAC Contractor
To play it extra safe, schedule annual check-ups with a TSSA-registered HVAC contractor. These contractors can help ensure your gas line and BBQ connection are in good shape to start grilling. It is also important to contact someone to help you install gas lines for the BBQ and, potentially, the BBQ itself.
Bonus BBQ Safety Reminders:
- Don’t grill under overhangs or low-hanging branches.
- Keep a spray bottle of water nearby for small flare-ups, and baking soda handy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure food is safely cooked.
- Let your grill cool completely before covering or storing it.
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BBQ Safety & Home Insurance: Why It Matters
Unattended flames, grease fires, or grilling too close to your house can lead to serious property damage and may impact your home insurance coverage. At isure, we recommend:
- Reviewing your home insurance policy for fire-related coverage.
- Ask your broker if outdoor appliances, such as grills, are always covered.
- Taking photos of your BBQ setup to document safe practices.
If you’re unsure about your fire protection coverage or have questions about your policy, contact us or request a quote today. We’ll help you stay safe and protected all summer long!
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