Grilling safety tips for summer

Many homeowners take advantage of warm weather by grilling meals outside. While fun and enjoyable, grilling also represents a serious risk of property damage. Here are some tips to share with your policyholders to make outdoor grilling safer this summer:

• Keep grill on a level surface to prevent it from falling over.
• Only operate grill in an area that is properly ventilated and not too close to flammable materials or structures (such as fences, decks, shrubs, siding of house or overhanging tree branches).
• Avoid grilling in indoor or enclosed areas where carbon monoxide fumes can build.
• Use long-handled utensils and oven mitts when handling food on a grill.
• Supervise children and pets around a grill in use.

These safety measures will help minimize the likelihood of an accident.