Barbecue and Fire Pit Safety | SERVPRO of East Cobb

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of East Cobb to learn more.

Spring gives many people a little extra pep in their step. Winter has passed, and with it the cold weather and short days, and suddenly life feels new again.

Warmer weather and longer days invite us to go outside and enjoy nature, kids are getting out of school and making summer plans, and everything just feels fresh. You might even feel like doing some of that running you said you were going to start doing on January 1.

But among all the family cookouts and reunions, gender reveals, and graduation barbecues, we must remember that outdoor activities ramping up this time of year brings a heightened risk of backyard fires. In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year.

But if you stay on top of things, you can enjoy all that The warmer weather has to offer and do it safely. Let’s look at a few of the usual suspects.

• The Grill - As much as we love to grill, the truth is that grills are incredible fire hazards—the combination of flame, heat, grease and gas gives rise to danger easily. Make sure the grill, whether propane, charcoal or smoker, is sturdy and in proper working order with no leaks, away from anything flammable (including decking, leaves or the home siding), and don’t neglect cleaning it. Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning.
• The Fire Pit - Evening conversations around the fire pit are a favorite spring and summer pastime, but make sure you’re exhibiting proper fire safety while you enjoy. Never leave the pit unattended (and never leave kids or pets alone near the fire). Don’t add pine needles or dry leaves to the fire; these easily become wind-scattered embers looking for a wildfire to ignite. And keep a bucket of water nearby in case of errant flames, and use it to slowly (again, because of potential flying embers) douse the fire when the evening is through. Once the ashes are cool to the touch, you’re safe to leave the pit and take the party inside.
• Chimneys & Dryer Vents - OK, so these aren’t really backyard things, but now is a good time to take care of them while you’re already thinking about fire safety. Get the chimney cleaned out so you’re not starting fires in an ash tube next fall, and check your dryer’s vent pipe for any lint that may have snuck past your filter (do this twice a year, actually).

Your local SERVPRO technicians are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.