Did you know that July is National Grilling Month? Yep, now you have an excuse to grill up your favorite foods all month long. However, there are several things to keep in mind while operating a grill, especially if you live in a rental property. So, let’s go over some BBQ grill safety tips and how you can successfully celebrate National Grilling Month.
History of National Grilling Month
Where did National Grilling Month come from? It seems like kind of a random celebration, but grilling has been around for thousands of years. In fact, the history of grilling started shortly after the domestication of fire. However, backyard grilling, like we’re most used to, has only recently become prevalent across families around the world.
Backyard grilling didn’t become super popular until after World War II, when middle-class families started moving to the suburbs. By the 1950s, it was all the rage. Before this, people typically only grilled at campsites or picnics.
Now, it’s extremely common to grill up food for the whole family in the backyard, especially during the summer. Next, let’s discuss a few ways you can celebrate National Grilling Month.
Different Ways to Celebrate National Grilling Month
No matter where you are, there are several ways you can celebrate National Grilling Month. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Host a Backyard Get Together– What better way to celebrate than by hosting your own grilling party? Invite your loved ones and enjoy a backyard barbeque this summer.
- Try New Grilled Foods– Sick of the basic grilled hotdogs and hamburgers? Consider trying new foods and experimenting during your next grill session.
- Explore the Outdoors– Bored of grilling in your backyard? Branch out and host a picnic or pack up your grilling equipment for a weekend of camping.
Are You Allowed to BBQ In Your Rental?
Just because you live in a rental or apartment building doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate National Grilling Month, too. First, however, you have to ensure you’re following your lease rules and practicing fire safety.
Did you know that home grills cause around 10,600 fires per year? Although not all of these occur in apartment complexes, approximately 29 percent are started on an exterior balcony or porch, and 27 percent of grill fires begin in a courtyard or patio. As such, it’s no surprise that there are rules pertaining to grilling, especially if you live in an apartment building.
For example, there are National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines, state and city guidelines, and guidelines set by property management companies. Ultimately, having all of these different rules can create confusion for renters.
Grilling rules in an apartment may differ depending on where you live and who owns and manages your rental complex. For instance, in Leesburg, you may grill in an apartment as long as it’s at least 15 feet away from the building. So, if you have a spacious balcony or lower-floor apartment, you should be able to grill with no problems.
Before grilling, it’s always best to check first with your landlord or property management company in Northern Virginia.
BBQ Grill Safety Tips for Fire Prevention
As stated above, grilling causes fires more often than you may think. As such, following BBQ grill safety tips is crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly throughout your grilling experience. Here are some of the essential tips to keep in mind while using a grill at your apartment building.
- Keep Your Grill Clean
- Don’t Allow Children or Pets Around Grill Areas
- Never Leave Your Grill Unattended
- Ensure Your Grill Is in a Safe Place
- Read Your Grill’s Manual
Keep Your Grill Clean
Although it seems minuscule, one of the most important BBQ grill safety tips is keeping your grill clean and free of build-up. Neglecting to clean your grill causes grease to build up and collect over time. If the grease build-up isn’t cleaned after each use, it can easily catch fire while the grill’s in use. That said, use a grill brush to clean between each use and empty the grease tray when it gets full.
Don’t Allow Children or Pets Around Grill Areas
It’s self-explanatory–don’t allow children or pets to play around grill areas, especially when used. Grills with open flames are extremely dangerous and could cause severe fire damage. The last thing you want is to see your kids or pets get hurt, so make sure grill areas are restricted and off-limits.
Never Leave Your Grill Unattended
You should never walk away from your grill when it’s in use. Barbeque grills require high heat and open flames to cook food, so when they are left unattended, it can be a major safety and fire hazard. So, if you have to leave your grill, ask another trusted adult to watch it for you until you get back.
Ensure Your Grill Is in a Safe Place
Grills are for outdoor use only. Additionally, it’s important to put your grill at least 15 feet from any building structure, trees, or other fire hazards. Ideally, your grill will be on a flat, level surface like a concrete slab or patio. Uneven surfaces can cause your grill to tip, which could easily start a fire.
Read Your Grill’s Manual
To ensure you’re using the grill correctly in the first place, read the manual before using it for the first time. Each grill is a little different, so even if you’ve used a grill before, read the manual to make sure you’re using it properly. Improper use of a grill can be a major safety hazard.
Considerations for Grilling in Your Rental Home or Apartment
If you’re planning to celebrate National Grilling Month this year in your apartment or rental, here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
- Choose the Right Grill for Your Space- There are several different types of grills to choose from, including charcoal, electric, and gas. Find out what restrictions you may have at your rental and choose one accordingly.
- What Storage Do You Have?- Storing your grill properly will ensure it lasts as long as possible and can make using it easier. If you have outdoor space to keep it, that’s ideal.
- Safe Grilling Protocols for Apartment Renters- Keep all BBQ grill safety tips in mind while using your grill at your apartment. Make sure it’s not too close to the building, never leave it unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
Keep Your Rental Property Safe At All Times
National Grilling Month is exciting for everyone! But, safety is extremely important for everyone involved. Whether you’re living in a rental property or own a property with tenants, ensuring BBQ safety, this season is key. Bay Property Management Group can help you keep your rental property safe and maintained all year round.
BMG is a top-notch rental management company that can help busy landlords with any aspect of their rental business. Whether you need tenant screening, maintenance, or rent collection, we’ve got you covered. Contact BMG today if you need rental management services in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, or Washington DC.
