PTP Insurance Agents of Naperville, IL, an independent insurance agency

Grill Safety Naperville IL: August 05, 2008 - Summer is in full swing and families are rushing to fire up the grill. But taking a few precautions before you plan that backyard barbecue can help ensure your bash doesn't go up in flames. "Every summer we see fire-related claims that could have been avoided," says Jay O'Connell of People To People Insurance Services Inc. "Natural gas, propane and charcoal lighter fluid are all highly flammable and can fuel explosions if they are not handled properly. Following the manufacturer's instructions and using common sense can greatly reduce the risk of injury and property damage. " Gas grill accidents are often caused when propane tanks are hooked up incorrectly or leaks are undetected. Check for leaks by placing some liquid soap and water directly on the gas connections. If bubbles appear, there is a leak and the connections should be tightened. You should also routinely check fittings and connections to make sure that they are properly tightened and clean the grill thoroughly at least once each season. If you use propane, only use the gas cylinders designed to store propane and fill them at a reputable propane supplier. If filling a new cylinder, tell your supplier it is being filled for the first time, so air can be removed. You should transport the tank in an upright position and take it out of the car as soon as you arrive home. Only proper starting fluids should be used to ignite a charcoal grill - gasoline or kerosene should never be used. Also, adding starter fluid after the fire has been ignited is extremely hazardous as flames may jump out from the grill. "You should follow these precautions for all outdoor cooking devices, including propane turkey fryers and fire pits," says O'Connell. "Another thing to remember is to never place grills directly on a wooden surface such as a deck because the grill will remain hot for hours after cooking, presenting a fire hazard." For more information contact People To People Insurance Services Inc. Return to Articles Home Page.

People to People Insurance Services Inc. - 1240 Iroquois, Naperville, IL, DuPage County - Serving Chicagoland (630) 355-2355

Naperville Illinois personal and commercial independent insurance agents, PTP Insurance Agency, serves clients throughout the metropolitan Chicagoland area which includes Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Kendall County and Will County; including, but not limited to, Naperville, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Aurora, Batavia, Barrington, Berwyn, Bedford Park, Bloomingdale, Brookfield, Burbank, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Chicago, Clarendon Hills, Countryside, Darien, Downers Grove, Elgin, Elmhurst Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Hickory Hills, Hoffman Estates, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Lemont, Lisle, Lockport, Lombard, Lyons, Mokena, Montgomery, Oak Brook, Oswego, Romeoville, St Charles, Schaumburg, Shorewood, Sycamore, Warrenville,West Chicago, Westmont, Woodridge and Yorkville.