They say the word vegetarian is an old Indian word meaning “bad hunter,” and I firmly believe that humanity didn’t reach the top of the food chain on vegetables alone. Most of us men subscribe to the theory that it’s better to have burned and lost than never to have barbecued at all—and for some, that’s not a skill, it’s a superpower.
According to the Hearth, Patio Barbecue Association (HPBA), 80% of households own an outdoor barbecue, griddle or smoker, and about 60% of those owners will use their grill year-round; nearly 97% will use it at least once a year.
So the question is: “To barbecue or not to barbecue.”
It’s already July and we’re in the height of barbecue season, as many of us fire up our gas grills, smokers, and griddles on a regular basis.
Grilling has been in the human DNA for thousands of years, back when we had to learn to hunt and kill for protein, build fires, and then cook our meat over an open flame. It turns out that you can take humans out of the wilderness, but you can’t take the wilderness out of humans—and many of us can find ourselves grilling in the rain and even during a severe winter storm.
In fact, it is an internal instinct in humans to become territorial when it comes to their backyard barbecue. I still remember inviting a dear friend over for steaks and cold foam one weekend and being horrified to see him dishonor our friendship by trying to hijack my barbecue.
That day, my barbecue wasn’t big enough for both of us, and since then, he hasn’t been invited to barbecue again.
Grilling is a casual way to entertain. Everyone wants to join in, but for some reason, men are known to claim this sacred space of fire as a male sanctuary. No woman is allowed to be the king of her own barbecue. Once a barbecue is lit at a gathering, men will always gravitate toward the grill, much like fireflies are drawn to a light.
Unfortunately for some barbecue enthusiasts, it’s not real barbecue until the fire department arrives and the eyebrows and eyelashes have been singed off.
Gas grills were involved in an average of 9,079 home fires per year, including 4,454 structure fires and 4,625 outdoor fires per year.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 18,000 people are injured or burned in barbecue accidents each year. Of these 18,000 accidents, the CPSC estimates that the injuries are caused by uncontrolled fires that can result in severe burns or even death. On average, barbecue fires result in about 10 deaths.
To avoid ruining your backyard barbecue by injuring yourself or burning down your house, here are some helpful tips:
• Always read the owner’s manual: Before using your grill, you should know how to follow specific operating, assembly, and safety procedures. Contact the grill manufacturer if you have any questions.
• Grills are for outdoor use only: never barbecue in your garage, driveway, covered porch, tent, trailer, home or any other enclosed area as they can easily start a fire or cause a buildup of carbon monoxide that can kill you.
• Use barbecues safely in a well-ventilated area. Set up your barbecue in an open area at least 3 metres from any buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, branches, dry leaves or brush. Avoid high traffic areas and always barbecue in a well-ventilated area. Be careful of sparks caused by the wind.
• Keep the grill stable. When using a barbecue, make sure that all parts of the appliance are firmly secured and that the grill cannot tip over.
• Use long-handled utensils. The longer the handle on your barbecue utensils, the less likely you are to burn yourself.
Use your nose: If you smell gas and you haven’t lit the burners yet, there is a leak. Check the main connection points between the gas tank (propane) hose and the regulator and cylinder, as well as where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten it if it is loose. Apply a mild soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
• Turn on the propane tank. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (large enough to be visible). If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check the connections, then have your grill professionally serviced before using it again.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby: If you don’t have access to a fire extinguisher, you can also use baking soda to control a grease fire, a bucket of sand, or a garden hose.
• Wear safety clothing: Avoid wearing hanging shirttails, ruffles or apron strings that can catch fire, and use fireproof gloves when adjusting hot air vents.
• To extinguish flames, raise the grill on which the food is located, distribute the coals evenly, or adjust the controls to reduce the temperature. If you must extinguish the flames with a gentle stream of water, first remove the food from the grill.
• Consider placing a grill mat or splatter mat under your grill: These heat-resistant mats are typically made of lightweight composite cement or plastic and will protect your deck or patio from any grease that misses the drip pan.
• Never leave a grill unattended: Trust me, if your grill is dirty and has a lot of residual grease, it can ignite a fierce fire in just a minute.
• Keep your grill clean: Thoroughly clean your grill regularly, removing grease or fat buildup from the grates and in the trays below the grill.
• Do not attempt to move a hot grill: Never attempt to move a hot grill, as it is very easy to trip or drop it and cause serious burns.
• Keep away from hot grill: Do not allow anyone to engage in violent activities or games near the grill. Also keep children and pets away.
• Turn off the grill properly: When you are finished using the grill, first close the service valve to ensure that there is no propane left in the hose, then turn off the burner control.
• When using charcoal grills: If using charcoal lighter fluid, use only charcoal lighter fluid. Never add charcoal lighter fluid or any other flammable liquid to the fire. Keep charcoal lighter fluid out of reach of children and away from heat sources. Once you are done cooking, allow the coals to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container. Sprinkle them with water to ensure this.
Be careful my friends.
