Greg discusses how to safely operate a barbecue in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: Greg Marcyniuk, our insurance expert. Greg, it's that time of year. Last time we talked, we talked about severe summer weather and some tips. And this time we're talking about barbecue safety.
It's also barbecue season, and we really need to be aware that barbecues can be very dangerous. In fact, we've had a case of a barbecue starting a house fire already this year in Moose Jaw.
Greg Marcyniuk: That's correct Rob. And actually, all fires within residences and cooking areas and barbecues are up right across Canada. Because of the COVID, people are staying home and they're cooking more. So it's just that much more essential that people take their time.
And the biggest thing I think, first and foremost, is keeping your children and pets far away from a hot grill - and never leaving them unsupervised in the area of an ignited barbecue. They can burn themselves so easily. As well, never use wood, charcoal briquettes, barbecue starter fluid or gasoline in conjunction with your propane or natural gas barbecue, because doing this can result in a highly flammable and volatile situation. And it can cause extensive damage to your property, personal injury, and even loss of life.
Always barbecue in an open outdoor space - just because of the ventilation and safety reasons. Never use a barbecue in the garage or indoors. And keep the barbecue at least three meters away from windows, doors, walls and especially vinyl siding. Because it melts and it burns very fast, and it burns hot. So, just keep your barbecue away from your house.
As well, your grill should be placed on flat, sturdy surface. And keep the barbecue away from wooden fences and wooden walls, or combustible overhead roofs and trees with low branches as well. The other thing is, don't allow an accumulation of grease to occur. Keep your grill and burners clean and this will help minimize the risk of a serious grease fire.
Now if you do have a grease fire, never, never use water on this. This will only cause the flames to flare up. As well, keep loose clothing away from a hot barbecue. Roll up your sleeves, or cook in short-sleeved shirt. And if your clothing does catch on fire, make sure remember to stop, drop and roll. Another great tip is to use long-handle tongs and brushes while grilling. And that gives you a little bit of extra distance from the flames and as well as from the heat.
And always wear oven mitts and a heavy apron to protect yourself from a fire while grilling. If you do burn yourself, run the affected area under cool water for five minutes. And if it is a serious burn, certainly seek medical attention right away.
So, a few tips to enjoy the grill this season.
Rob: He's an insurance expert. But I know from experience, he's also a grilling expert. He's Greg Marcyniuk at Heritage Insurance. Greg, we can find these tips online and share them with our friends and family?
Greg: You sure can, Rob. Just come down and see us here at the corner of Fairford and 1st. And again at nohassleinsurance.ca
(Video transcription by Speechpad)