Barbecues are most common in July, so July has been designated National Grilling Month. The Quad Cities burn injury lawyers at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham hope that you and your family grill up some amazing food to celebrate the event. When people think of barbecues, they often think of delicious meats and fabulous outdoor fun, but grilling can also be dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), barbecue grill accidents are responsible for 9,500 thermal burns and 19,700 emergency room visits yearly.
Our team offers the safety tips below to keep your family safe during National Grilling Month and the rest of the year. While we genuinely hope that all your barbecues are safe, please remember that our legal team is available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you or a loved one have suffered a barbecue injury. So do not hesitate to call us at (309) 794-1515 if you’ve had a grilling accident in Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Whiteside, or Knox counties in Illinois, as well as Scott, Cedar, Muscatine, Jackson, or Clinton Counties in Iowa.
Four National Grilling Month Safety Tips
Although barbecue grill accidents are surprisingly common, there are many simple things that you can do that significantly increase your safety. Here are some of the most valuable tips we’ve learned from our expert witnesses and clients.
Check Your Grill Before Starting the Fire
Make sure that your grill is ready to go before you start a fire. For natural gas and propane grills, this means inspecting hoses and tanks for any sign of leakage. Igniting a fire when you have a gas leak can lead to catastrophic injuries and house fires.
For all types of grills, ensure that the grill surface is clean and that there aren’t any fat deposits from a previous cookout. Fat buildup can lead to a sudden grease splatter that can cause severe burns.
Gear Up to Maximize Safety
Cooking with the right accessories and utensils can make all the difference between a safe grilling session and a trip to the emergency room. Aprons are great for protecting your body against grease splatters and embers, while gloves are essential for protecting your hands from burns. Powder-free latex gloves are fine for many situations, but thicker and longer gloves give you a much higher degree of protection.
Charcoal users should think about investing in a chimney or electric starter. These accessories help you start a fire safely while using less lighter fluid and avoiding the noxious fumes it produces.
Place Your Grill Safely Away from Your Home
One of the biggest mistakes people make with their barbecue grills is keeping them too close to their homes or other flammable objects. In addition to increasing your chances of a house fire, positioning a grill too close to your house also increases the chances of toxic fumes flowing into your home. Be sure to keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house.
Additionally, your grill shouldn’t be placed near flammable objects like tool sheds or trees. Some people think that their grill is optimally placed since it’s far away from their house, only to have it near low branches that are dry and extremely flammable. Safely place your grill away from any large flammable object and use a grill mat for extra protection.
Appoint a Designated Grill Watcher
Many people swear by designated drivers to keep them out of trouble and to avoid a DUI charge. However, having a sober adult watch the grill is also a fantastic idea. That person can help make sure that the grill is operating safely and there isn’t any horseplay around an extremely hot object.
Furthermore, some grills may seem exotic to some children. While they’ve likely seen a standard kettle grill or propane grill, they may be unfamiliar with electric smokers and wood pellet grills. These grills may seem like a cool toy they want to check out. However, having a sober adult watching the grill can help curious kids avoid injury and protect you from an attractive nuisance lawsuit.
Contact Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham
The team at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham hopes that you follow the safety tips above and that you share them with your friends during National Grilling Month. They truly are easy-to-follow tips that exponentially increase your grilling safety. Unfortunately, there are times when accidents happen no matter how safe you’re being. If you or a family member have suffered an injury caused by a grill and believe that the accident was caused by another party or defective product, then contact us for immediate assistance.
Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham has been serving the Quad Cities for more than 50 years. Our attorneys have successfully served clients Scott, Cedar, Muscatine, Jackson, or Clinton Counties in Iowa, as well as in Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Whiteside, or Knox counties in Illinois. You can count on us to treat you with the respect you deserve while doing everything possible to ensure the best possible settlement. Connect with us today through LiveChat or by phone at (309) 794-1515 and you’ll soon discover why we’ve become one of the most trust law firms in the Quad Cities.