Grilling Safety Tips

As the weather warms, many of us are anxious to get out the grill. Remember fire can be a very destructive force and it’s important to be careful. Here are some important tips to keep your family and property safe around the grill.

1. The grill is for outside use only!
2. Always make sure your grill is stable before use.
3. Keep your grill away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches or plants.
4. Never leave your grill unattended.
5. Keep you grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup from the grill itself and the tray below the grill. In roughly 1/5 grill fires, the grill was dirty.
6. Consider a grill pad or splatter mat beneath your grill to protect your deck or patio from grease.

Propane Grills

1. Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each grilling season. To test for leaks, apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak releases bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the bubble test and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before trying to use it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. 
2. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately leave the grill area and call the fire department. Do not move the grill first!

Charcoal Grills

1. Charcoal chimney starters are an easy way to start your charcoal grill using newspaper instead of starter fluid. You can also use electric charcoal starters.
2. If you do use starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add any other flammable liquids to the fire.
3. When grilling is complete, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

Read more of ABC’s grilling safety tips here. Check out our full list of cooking safety tips here.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Stay Safe & Healthy In the Cold

Be Prepared

Prepare for emergencies in the cold, including power outages:

1. Stock food items that don’t need to be refrigerated or cooked.
2. Stock water.
3. Make sure your emergency kit includes first aid kit with any essential medications, battery operated radio and flashlight/lamps, baby items if needed, and cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
4. Winterize your home. Install weather stripping where necessary and insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
5. Protect your family against carbon monoxide: keep generators and camp stoves out of the home, basement and garage. Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house. Monitor your home for CO.
6. If you do not have working smoke detectors, we can add them outside sleeping areas. Test them often; the CDC recommends monthly.
7. Watch out for frozen pipes.
8. Always keep your vehicle gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Outdoor Safety

1. Dress warmly in layers of light, warm clothing including gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots.
2. Sprinkle sand or cat litter on icy patches.
3. Carry your cell phone and make sure it’s charged.
4. Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you’ll be outside for recreation or work.
5. Work slowly when doing outside chores.

Winter Travel Safety

1. Check the foretasted weather before you leave, and avoid traveling during weather advisories. 
2. Keep an emergency kit in your car in case you get trapped in the snow. Include blankets, food and water, jumper cables, flashlights, and a first-aid-kit. 
3. Make sure your car is prepared. Have it serviced and check that antifreeze levels are maintained. Check your tire tread or even change to snow tires.
4. Make sure your neighbors and family know your travel plans, and check in on those you know are traveling. 
5. Avoid non-essential travel when the National Weather service has issued advisories.

Find more cold weather tips from the CDC including travel planning and home preparation.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.