There’s something about this time of year that makes everyone want to head outside.
Grills get uncovered. Patio chairs come back out. The smell of barbecue starts drifting through Willow Lake. And suddenly weekends fill up fast with cookouts, gatherings, and people looking for excuses not to cook indoors.
I’m all for it. But I’m also a prepper, which means I’ve learned one important thing over the years: A little preparation before the grill gets hot makes everything easier later. And usually safer too. So before you start flipping burgers and handing out paper plates, here are a few simple BBQ safety reminders worth keeping in mind.
Pepper’s BBQ Safety Tips
🌭 Check propane tanks and connections before lighting the grill
It only takes a minute, and it’s better than discovering a problem after things are already heating up.
🌭 Clean grease buildup before cooking
Nobody wants surprise flare-ups added to the menu.
🌭 Keep a box of baking soda nearby
Small grease flare-ups can happen fast, and baking soda can help smother them safely. (Never use water on a grease fire.)
🌭 Never leave the grill unattended
Even if you think you’ll “just run inside for a second.”
🌭 Use separate plates for raw and cooked food
Simple step. Big difference.
🌭 Keep pets away from hot grills
Mo means well, but excitement and open flames are not always the best combination.
🌭 Have a flashlight nearby if grilling later in the evening
Because trying to balance your phone while checking whether something’s burning never works as smoothly as you think it will.
🌭 Keep a small fire extinguisher close by
Hopefully you never need it—but that’s kind of the whole point of being prepared.
🌭 Make sure grilling tools are clean and easy to reach
Nothing slows dinner down faster than searching for tongs while something’s smoking.
🌭 Don’t forget the little things
Extra napkins, bottled water, bug spray, ice… it’s usually the small things people end up running back into the house for.
The nice thing about being prepared is that once everything’s ready, you can actually relax and enjoy yourself. That’s the goal. Well… that and making sure Roxie doesn’t decide unattended hamburger buns belong to her.
I’ll be back soon with more from Willow Lake.
Until then…
Stay prepped and prepared,
Pepper
