Are you excited to flip some burgers, grill some wings, and crank up the tunes? We certainly are! We love the month of May because it鈥檚 the start of grilling season for many areas of the country鈥攚hich is why May is appropriately called National Barbecue Month.
This month, we recommend ensuring your home and outdoor grilling space are safe and enjoyable for the new season. Here are some essential tips for preparing your home (and grill) for the season.
Quick Checklist for Outdoor Safety
Follow our checklist, and you鈥檒l have tasty burgers and peace of mind throughout the season.
- Inspect Outdoor Electrical Outlets
Ensuring that all outlets are safe and functioning is essential. Always inspect outdoor outlets if you鈥檙e using an electric grill or plugging in outdoor lights. Ensure cords are not frayed, plugs don鈥檛 show wear, and cords aren鈥檛 a tripping hazard. If you鈥檙e using an electric grill, always plug it into a grounded source. Need electrical assistance? ARS electricians are available to help!
- Clean the Grill
Don鈥檛 neglect your grill when starting your spring cleaning! Clean off any old food remnants, grease, or ash that鈥檚 been lingering since last season. Invest in a wire grill brush to clean the grates. When your grill is clean, you鈥檒l avoid unwanted flare-ups while cooking and help improve food flavor.
- Secure a Well-Ventilated Area
Proper ventilation and indoor air quality are also key to a comfortable indoor space, so always grill in a well-ventilated area. Be careful when grilling on balconies, and never grill indoors or in areas with little airflow. Improper ventilation could lead to carbon monoxide buildup, which is a considerable hazard. Are you experiencing stale indoor air? Home air purifiers are a great way to keep indoor air balanced and clean.
- Schedule an AC Tune-up
Your indoor space is just as important as your outdoor one. This is especially true if you鈥檙e hosting a barbecue party and your house will be full of guests. A seasonal air conditioning tune-up from the pros at ARS will give you 100% peace of mind and keep your guests cool and comfy if they need to retreat indoors.
- Create a Safe Environment
In addition to cooking in a well-ventilated area, it鈥檚 smart to create a safe grilling station (especially important if small children are present). Keep sharp utensils, lighters, lighter fluid, and other hazardous items out of the reach of small children and pets. Keep your grilling station separate from partygoers.
- Prep Your Indoor Bathroom
If you鈥檙e hosting a barbecue, address any clogged drains or toilet issues before your gathering. No host wants toilets overflowing or drains gurgling with a house full of guests.
- Prepare for Emergencies
For extra safety, always have a first-aid kit handy during a cookout. Accidents happen. And even when you practice safety measures, you may still experience cuts, bruises, or minor burns. A first-aid kit will come in handy should an accident happen.
Following these safety tips, you can enjoy a fun and safe barbecue season during National Barbecue Month and all summer!
