Millions of families will continue a time-honored tradition of grilling food this Fourth of July. As the yearly celebration approaches, families throughout New Hampshire should be cautious this grilling season to help prevent grill-related fires and damage to your home. As part of our commitment to help you have a safe and enjoyable summer, The Insurance Center would like to share timely information that can help you avoid potential losses this summer.
“Having an open flame near your home always comes with a risk,” said Robert J. Sammon, President of The Insurance Center. “While it can be challenging to keep guests safe at every moment, homeowners can take certain precautions to help reduce the odds of an accident.”
With the frequency of grill-related fires expected to rise soon, The Insurance Center encourages homeowners to review our recommendations below to have a memorable celebration ahead.
Stay Alert While Cooking
Unattended cooking has led to countless fires in and outside of homes. Homeowners should make efforts to always keep children at least three feet away from the grill.
Keep Flammable Items Away
Fires can cause a significant amount of damage in a short time, which is why it is imperative to keep flammable objects away from the grill.
Have a Fire Extinguisher Handy
Have a fire extinguisher at the ready in case your barbeque takes a turn for the worse. Alternatively, homeowners can use baking soda to douse unexpected fires.
Maintain Your Grill
Grease and fat buildup on grates could lead to flare ups that could injure you or your guests. Clean your grill after every use, and make sure every part of your grill is still safe to use.
Store Your Grill in a Safe Location
Give your grill time to cool off and store it in a safe location away from your home when you are ready to call it a night. It is equally important to keep propane tanks away from any sources of heat.
Make Sure Your Insurance Coverage Has Been Updated
Homeowners should speak with an Insurance Center agent to make sure they do not need additional coverage. Renovations or other home updates might necessitate an added layer of protection.
With a history that stretches back over 100 years, The Insurance Center has continually updated its insurance packages to help families protect themselves from losses. If you have any questions about how to better protect your home from fires, we encourage you to contact one of our locations.