Grilling Safety Tips: Protect Your Family and Home This Summer

Summer means backyard cookouts, family gatherings, and enjoying meals outdoors. While grilling is one of America’s favorite warm-weather traditions, it’s important to remember that a few simple precautions can help prevent serious accidents.

Practicing proper grilling safety not only protects your home and loved ones—it can also help you avoid costly damage and injuries.

Why Grilling Safety Matters

Summer cookouts are one of America’s favorite traditions, but grill-related fires remain more common than many homeowners realize.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an annual average of 12,141 home fires involving grills, hibachis, and barbecues between 2020 and 2024. These incidents resulted in:

• 15 civilian deaths annually
• 171 reported injuries annually
• $241 million in direct property damage each year

Most of the losses occurred from fires involving structures rather than open outdoor areas.

Gas grills continue to account for the majority of grill-related fires, representing approximately 76% of home grilling fires, while charcoal and other solid-fueled grills account for a smaller share.

While a grill fire spreading to your home is uncommon, homeowners insurance typically provides protection because fire is generally considered a covered peril.

A standard homeowners policy may help cover:

• Damage to the home itself
• Damage to personal property, such as patio or lawn furniture
• Damage to insured structures on your property, including decks, sheds, or detached garages
• Liability protection if a guest is injured

Keep in mind that your deductible still applies. If the damage amount falls below your deductible, filing a claim may not make financial sense.

The best protection is prevention—and following smart grilling safety practices can help reduce the risk of injuries, property damage, and insurance claims.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Grill Fires?

If a grill fire spreads and damages your property, your homeowners insurance policy may help provide financial protection because fire is generally considered a covered peril.

Coverage may include:

• Damage to your home
• Damage to personal belongings such as patio furniture
• Damage to other insured structures like decks, fences, or sheds
• Liability protection if a guest is injured on your property

Keep in mind that deductibles apply. If the damage amount is lower than your deductible, filing a claim may not make financial sense.

The best approach is preventing grill-related accidents before they happen.

Grill Maintenance Tips for Better Grilling Safety

Routine inspection and maintenance can significantly reduce fire risks—especially with gas grills.

Before your first cookout of the season:

Inspect Gas Hoses

Check hoses for:

• Cracks
• Brittleness
• Holes
• Loose connections

Also inspect burner tubes for blockages caused by grease buildup, insects, or spider webs.

Perform a Leak Test

Mix equal parts liquid soap and water and apply the solution to hoses and connection points.

Turn on the propane tank valve. If bubbles appear, you may have a gas leak that should be repaired before use.

Keep Hoses Away from Heat

Position hoses away from hot surfaces and areas where grease can drip.

Store Propane Tanks Safely

Always store propane tanks outdoors and away from your home. Confirm valves are completely turned off after use.

Safe BBQ Practices Everyone Should Follow

Following a few common-sense grilling safety rules can make your cookout safer for everyone.

Choose a Safe Location

• Place grills on a flat, stable surface.
• Keep grills away from your home, garage, siding, railings, and landscaping.
• Never move a grill while it’s lit.

Create a Child and Pet Safety Zone

Maintain a clear space around the grill and supervise children closely.

Wear Protective Gear

Use:

• A heavy grilling apron
• Heat-resistant oven mitts that extend up the forearm

Use Fuel Correctly

For charcoal grills:

• Only use lighter fluid specifically made for grilling.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids.
• Never add lighter fluid after the fire has started.

Never Grill Indoors

Grills should only be used outdoors.

Charcoal grills release carbon monoxide, which can become deadly in enclosed spaces such as garages, screened porches, or enclosed patios.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Having quick access to a fire extinguisher can help stop small incidents before they become major emergencies.

Don’t Forget Post-Grilling Safety

Once cooking is finished:

• Allow the grill to cool completely before covering or storing it.
• Turn off propane valves after use.
• Soak charcoal and coals with water before disposal.

Enjoy Summer Cookouts Safely

Outdoor grilling is one of summer’s great traditions, and with proper preparation and a few smart habits, it can stay that way.

By making grilling safety a priority, you can protect your family, reduce fire risks, and enjoy your backyard with confidence all season long.

Need help reviewing your homeowners insurance coverage before summer? Contact our team today—we’re happy to help make sure your home is protected.