Sizzle Safely This May 2-4: BBQ Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

fred8380
May 12
2 min read

Sizzle Safely This May 2-4: BBQ Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the unmistakable scent of backyard barbecues is back in the air — it must be May 2-4 weekend! As Canadians prep their patios and dust off their barbecues, now’s the perfect time for a refresher on barbecue safety. Because nothing ruins a good burger like a backyard blaze.

Here’s how to keep the good times (and the sausages) rolling without any fiery surprises:

🔥 General BBQ Safety

Whether you’re team charcoal, propane, or electric, these rules apply to everyone:

Grill in a safe, well-ventilated area — never indoors.
Keep the lighter out of reach of little hands.
Never leave a lit barbeque unattended (you’d be surprised how fast things can escalate).
Have a hose or fire extinguisher handy — just in case.
Let the grill cool completely before storing or moving it.
Use it on a stable, non-flammable surface.
Clean out built-up grease and debris regularly.
Avoid loose-fitting clothing near flames.
Use long-handled tools and flame-resistant mitts.
Keep the drinks flowing away from the flames — alcohol is flammable!

BBQ safety tips include grilling outside, keeping a fire extinguisher nearby, and avoiding loose clothes. Blue and orange design.

🔥 Propane BBQ Know-How

Propane bbqs are super convenient, but they do come with some extra precautions:

Always store tanks outdoors, away from heat sources.
Never transport or store them in your vehicle’s trunk.
Turn off the gas when done grilling — and when changing tanks.
Check tanks for damage before refilling.
Limit to two 20-lb tanks on the property if you're in a one- or two-family home.
Check for leaks with a soapy solution — bubbles = trouble.
Light your barbeque with the lid open, never closed.
Turn the gas off first when you're finished, then the controls.

Propane safety tips image with text on storage, transport, and use. Includes grilling advice. Background is blue with flame icons.

🔥 Charcoal BBQ Tips

If you love that smoky flavour:

Never, ever use a charcoal barbeque indoors. This includes your garage, keep it outdoors.
Use no more than 2 inches of charcoal in the base.
Stick to barbecue starter fluid — and never add it to open flames.
Give the fluid a minute to soak into coals before lighting to avoid explosive vapors.
On balconies/terraces? You need 10 feet of clearance from the building and a water source nearby.
Keep the starter fluid at a safe distance from the grill.
Dispose of cooled ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and water added.

Tips for safe charcoal grilling with icons and text. Includes guidelines on fluid use and placement. Blue and orange with a grill image.

🔥 Electric Grill Guidelines

Keeping it plug-and-play?

Skip the lighter fluid — not needed here!
Use an extension cord rated for the grill’s amperage.
Unplug when not in use, and keep cords out of walkways.
As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.

Stay Safe, BBQ Happy 🏡🍔

At Leppard Inspections, we believe a safe home is a happy home — and that includes your outdoor spaces. Before you fire up the bbq this long weekend, take a moment to run through these tips. A little prevention goes a long way toward protecting your family, your guests, and your property.

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