Summer is synonymous with backyard barbeques and delicious foods fresh off the grill. With Fourth of July just around the corner and the state of California allowing gatherings for those who have received COVID-19 vaccinations, there will no doubt be many Independence Day celebrations happening this year in the Los Angeles area.
For those planning to use their grill outside of their home, it’s important that everyone be aware of how to safely transport a propane grill so that they are ready for a safe cookout.
Preparing Your Grill for a Move
The first thing you’ll want to do is prep your grill for transport by doing the following:
- Let It Cool. For obvious reasons, you never want to attempt to move a grill while it’s hot. Instead, wait at least 24 hours after using it before you relocate it so that you can ensure there is no residual heat.
- Clean It. It’s important to clean the grill before moving it so there is no grease, food, char, or dirt stuck to it. Let the grill run on high heat for about 15 minutes. Then, once it has cooled, take some time to scrub the racks while wearing protective gloves.
- Remove the Tank. Next, you’ll want to unscrew the propane tank from the grill. Remember to store it out of direct sunlight while you are prepping for transport.
- Pack the Parts. Most grills come with multiple components, so you’ll want to pack each of these up separately. Label each part, so you know where it is and where it goes.
- Wrap It Up. Before putting your grill into the transporting vehicle, wrap the grill in a moving blanket and secure the blanket with packing tape. This way, it is protected from opening jostling around during the drive.
Moving the Grill
If you are transporting the grill yourself, it is recommended that you use a pickup truck or a flatbed trailer versus an enclosed vehicle. Always close the cylinder valve, or seal it if required. This applies even if the tank is empty.
Make sure to carefully secure the tank with a bungee cord or rope so that it stays upright during transportation and does not fall, roll, or shift. It is dangerous to drive with a tank in a vertical position. Additionally, never keep a propane tank inside a hot vehicle and immediately remove the tank from the vehicle once you arrive at your destination.
Other Grilling Safety Tips
Getting your grill moved safely to a new location is just half the battle. Knowing how to use it safely can help prevent burn injuries and accidental fires. Here are some safe grilling tips to heed during Fourth of July celebrations:
- Never leave a grill unattended.
- Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
- Keep your grill clean.
- Watch for flare-ups.
- Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors.
- Shut your grill down properly.
We hope that these safety tips provide you the reassurance you need to enjoy your holiday. All of us at Effres & Effres hope that you and your family have a safe, happy Fourth of July!
If you or a family member is injured during the holiday celebrations, our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys are standing by ready to review your case for free and guide you through the claims process. Contact our firm at (818) 222-9720 to speak with us today.