The Fourth of July is the United States' unofficial national grilling holiday—and if nothing else, charring meat outside with friends is worth celebrating. Whether you’ve hosted a few burger sessions already this summer, or you’ve wheeled in your very first charcoal grill, it’s important to brush up on your safety before you strike a match. Here are the things you should do and the tools you might need, before, during, and after the last dog comes off the grill.
In the event that a stray spark flies, or a wicked flare-up occurs, you want to be clear of anything that could catch fire. Grills, especially charcoal grills, should be at least 10 feet away from the house, railings, overhanging tree branches, and anything combustible. For gas grills, check your state fire code for distance minimums.
If you can manage it, 10 feet seems to be the way to go. Make sure you’re grilling in an outdoor open area so no carbon monoxide can build up. With kids running around and dogs catching frisbees across the yard, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment.
It doesn’t hurt to establish a defined circle around your grill that’s a “no-go zone.” Use bright colorful chalk for concrete, for grass, or just set up a ring of coolers so kids don’t wander in unknowingly. Of course you have a , right? It’s a small price to pay for safety, and you’d be kicking yourself for not spending 30 bucks if you suddenly had to pay $3,000 for siding repairs.
Put the fire extinguisher in a.
