For many people, summertime and grilling go hand in hand. According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year, there are nearly 9,000 home fires involving grills, and in addition, millions of people get sick from food poisoning. Many of these incidents are preventable—and related.
These grilling safety tips and safe food practices can help ensure your next barbeque is memorable—for the right reasons.
Tips for Food Safety and Grilling
Whether you’re inside prepping food or outside at the grill, these guidelines can keep everyone safe. 
- Use hot, soapy water to wash your hands before and between handling different foods.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw, prepared or cooked foods.
- Clean all work surfaces and equipment after each food prep task, especially when handling raw foods.
- Don’t let children or pets near the grilling area until the grill is completely cool.
- Ensure your grill is at least 3 feet from objects, such as your house, trees and outdoor seating.
- Don’t grill directly below your roof or any low-hanging tree branches, as these items could catch fire.
- Use starter fluid only for grills that use charcoal. Don’t use starter fluid for gas grills.
- If your propane grill’s flame goes out, turn off the grill and the gas. Wait at least five minutes before relighting the grill.
- Don’t grill in an unventilated area or enclosed space such as the garage or inside your home. This is a significant fire and carbon monoxide hazard.
Coverage to Protect Your Home and Livelihood
Homes are most people’s most valuable investment. Everything you’ve worked hard for can be destroyed instantly by a fire or grilling accident. Homeowners insurance can help you rebuild if an unfortunate accident happens.
Homeowners insurance includes both home protection and liability coverage, and a policy usually contains four essential coverages:
- Property structure coverage may help pay to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged or destroyed by a covered disaster.
- Personal belongings coverage may pay for furniture, clothing, sports equipment and other personal items stolen or destroyed by a covered disaster. You may need a personal property endorsement or floater to insure expensive items for their appraised value.
- Liability protection may pay the costs of medical bills and lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or a family member cause. It may also pay for damage caused by pets.
- Additional living expenses protection may help pay your living costs if you must live elsewhere due to damage from a covered accident. This coverage might pay your hotel bills, restaurant meals and other living expenses up to your policy’s limit.
Home insurance can help financially protect you. Without coverage, you may have to pay for damages out of pocket, which can be costly.
Contact our Augustine Insurance & Financial Services Inc. team to get started on an insurance policy that can provide you with adequate coverage whether you’re inside your home or outside at the grill.