It's Summertime! Time to Start the Fires!

It's Summer - Time to start the fires!

And I don't mean the grass fires, wild fires or burning the tree limbs, I mean the entertaining king.  Fire pits & BBQ's!!

It's time to chill in the backyard with some good ole BBQ and then huddle up to the fire pit to roast some marshmallows.  In Texas and I'm pretty sure probably everywhere else there is some version of BBQ and fire pits happening every weekend in the summertime.  The part that no one really wants to think about of both these entertainment kings is the safety.  So I thought I would add a few tips here that I have found for you:

Barbecue Tips

The smell from the grill is heavenly as it wafts across the patio toward you.  You can't wait to get your burger/hot dog, but wait before you light that grill.  The grill should ALWAYS be used outside, in a well ventilated area.  Keep them away from the house, deck railings and from low hanging branches or plants.  And NEVER, EVER leave the grill unattended.  Keep children and pets a safe distance.

The second thing we need to always remember when grilling is keep that grill clean.  Grease can build up and cause a flare up grease fire.  Keep the bottom of the grill clean of debris as well.

Propane Tips

Gas grills usually have propane tanks.  Propane in a liquid form can be very cold and cause severe freeze burns if it comes into contact with the skin.  In a gas form it is odorless, so an additive giving it an odor is added.  If you smell it, get away!

Storage of the propane tank should ALWAYS be upright.  The tank should be kept in a temperature controlled area.  High temperature can result in the tank releasing some of the gas through the pressure release valve and becoming a fire hazard.

When picking up a new tank or having the old one filled, be sure that you keep the tank upright and that the pressure release valve is closed.  Its important to keep the tank secure, so think about strapping it in the seat belt.

Fire Pit Tips

Sitting out by the fire pit on a beautiful starry night with friends and family is the best!  Fire pits are a great outdoor addition but be safe when using.   A fire pit should be 10 feet or further away from any structure or combustible surface. Do not place a fire pit on grass, a wood deck or in an enclosed deck/porch, if not recommended by the Owner's Manual.

Use dry, seasoned wood that was cut at least six months earlier in your fire pit and prevent sparks from floating out by keeping the logs shorter than 3/4 of the diameter of the pit.  NEVER, EVER use gasoline, lighter fluid or kerosene to light the fire.  Use a fire starter, newspaper or kindling.

Check with your community to make sure that there has not been a ban on fires and never light a fire if it is very windy.  Keep safe by having a garden hose near by to dose the pit if you feel that it has become a dangerous fire.

BE SAFE AND HAVE A FUN SUMMER!