Centre Hastings Fire Department Grill Safety Reminder: BBQ Safely This August

August is one of the busiest months for backyard barbecues. Before you fire up the grill, take a few moments to make safety a priority.

✅ Grill Safely This Summer: • Use your barbecue outdoors only. • Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, sheds, and overhanging branches. • Place the grill on a flat, stable, non-combustible surface. • Create a 3-foot safety zone around the grill to keep children and pets safe. • Check gas hoses for cracks, leaks, or damage before use. • Always open the lid before lighting a gas grill.

🍔 While Cooking: • Never leave a lit grill unattended. • Stay with your barbecue while cooking. • Use long-handled grilling tools to protect yourself from flare-ups. • Keep paper products, food packaging, decorations, and other combustibles away from the heat source. • Clean grease and fat buildup from grates and drip trays regularly.

🧯 When You're Finished: • Turn off all burners and the main gas supply. • Allow charcoal ashes to cool completely (at least 48 hours) before disposing of them in a metal container. • Keep a fire extinguisher or baking soda nearby. • Never use water on a grease fire. Close the lid to help smother the flames or use an appropriate extinguisher.

A safe barbecue is a fun barbecue. Enjoy your summer cookouts and help keep your family, friends, and community safe.

Centre Hastings Fire Department 🚒
Serving and Protecting Our Community