Time for a Cookout! Grilling Safety & Homeowners Insurance Basics

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 10 people will die, 100 will be injured and $37 million in damages will occur during the 5,700 grill fires that take place every year.

Summer time means barbecues and outdoor fun. Unfortunately, some BBQs end badly. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 10 people will die, 100 will be injured and $37 million in damages will occur during the 5,700 grill fires that take place every year. Many people will also be burned, some severely, by grill fires.

In most cases a malfunctioning gas grill starts the fire. The good news is that the majority of the time, your homeowners policy will take care of the damage if a grill fire gets out of hand. Almost all homeowners policies will cover the following fire damage:

• Damage or destruction of the house itself.
• Damage or destroyed personal possessions.
• Insured structures such as a deck, shed or gazebo.
• Injuries to any guest or family members.

Your deductible will be taken out of any payout check so make sure you take that into account when you consider making a claim. A small dollar claim may not make sense if you have a high deductible.

Grilling Tips

Improperly maintained grills are the biggest cause of accidents and fires. Here are a few tips on how to keep your grill working safely.

Before using a grill for the first time of the season, check out the following:

• Hoses should be inspected for holes, cracks and brittleness. Replace hoses if they feel brittle or you find a visible hole or crack.
• Coat the hoses and connections with a soapy water solution and turn on the gas. If you see bubbles being formed, there is a leak, replace the hose.
• Adjust hoses away from spots were grease could drip on them or they might get hot.
• Always turn off the gas on both the grill and the tank when not in use.

Once the grill is set up and you are ready to start cooking, remember the following:

• Always have the grill on a level surface, well away from your house, garage and other flammable structures.
• Do not move the grill once you have lit it.
• Always keep kids away from the grill.
• Use oven mitts when operating the grill.

Charcoal grills

Charcoal grills present their own problems, here are a few tips specific to this grill type.

• Never use gasoline, only use lighter fluid.
• Do not put more lighter fluid on the grill once it is lit.
• It should go without saying, but never grill indoors, carbon monoxide kills.
• Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
• Do not store the grill until it has cooled down.

Accidents

If you have an accident while grilling, get help immediately for any serious accidents. Minor burns can be treated with cold water but if the injury is more serious, call 911 or head to the emergency room.

Later, after the injuries have been addressed, take an inventory of the damage and if you plan on making a claim, notify your insurer immediately. Keeping an updated home inventory can often come in handy when you have to make a claim on your homeowners policy.