APPLY TODAY

Attach Resume

(max. file size 32 MB)

file
Guide to Grill Safety

Guide to Grill Safety

Sam Simon

June 5, 2018

The Chicago weather has been heating up to ring in the month of June and there’s no doubt the city saw its fair share of grill-outs over the Memorial Day weekend.  After all, nothing signals the start of summer quite like the scent of grilled burgers, hot dogs and veggies wafting through backyards. But the good eats come at the risk of tragedy if you don’t mind your grill safety.  

Believe us, when a hot summer afternoon rolls around, the professionals at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons love outdoor cookouts as much as anyone else.  But what we don’t love as much is the increase in fire and smoke damage calls we receive after big grilling days, especially since most fires caused by grills can be avoided by following a few key safety tips.  Here’s the low-down on the steps you should be following to make sure food is the only thing your grill chars:

Exercise good grilling habits

  • Set your grill up a safe distance away from other objects.  We can’t tell you how many times we’ve been called on a job that involved grill flames consuming sides of houses because the grill was too close!  Also watch out for overhangs, sheds, garages and other potentially flammable items.
  • Never use your grill inside, in a tent, or under an outdoor awning.  Not only does this cause fires, but it also puts you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning if you have a gas grill.
  • Avoid getting burned by lighting your grill using special long-length matches or lighters.
  • This goes without saying, but never leave an actively burning grill unattended. Make sure to let your grill cool completely before covering or storing it.
  • Clean your grill thoroughly to reduce flammable buildup inside.

Understand the intricacies of charcoal grills if you use one

  • Be careful not to overuse the charcoal -- you should add only enough to cover the bottom of the grill.  If you use too much, it could cause ashes and sparks to become airborne.
  • Use care when storing your extra charcoal.  We recommend keeping it in an airtight metal container, far away from sources of flame.
  • Buy starter fluid specifically meant for charcoal, and only apply it to cold coals.  Don’t add extra fluid once the grill is actively burning to mitigate the risk of high flames and uncontained fire.  
  • Don’t clean the grill or empty your ashes until they have fully cooled.  When you dispose of them, we suggest dumping them on garden soil. Avoid storing or disposing of them in a garbage can or, worse, leaving them on your deck.  Ashes can still cause a fire, even after they’ve cooled.

Be smart when using a gas grill

  • Open the lid before lighting the grill to allow oxygen to escape and limit the risk of fire or explosion.
  • Regularly inspect your grill’s gas line and tank fittings for leaks by brushing soapy water around those areas. If you see bubbles emerge, there could be a leak somewhere and you’ll need to replace any faulty parts before using the grill.
  • Never store spare gas cylinders under a stairway in your home.  Instead, keep them upright and outside, at a safe distance away from other structures.
  • When you turn off your grill, use the controls first and then close off the gas line at the tank.  This will ensure that excess gas escapes safely.

Summer afternoons are meant for cookouts, family and fun -- not fire tragedies.  Follow our grill safety tips to keep your home safe this summer, but if the unthinkable does happen, know that you can always count on the professionals at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons for all your fire damage restoration needs.  Feel free to give us a call at 773-376-1110 with any questions or concerns! We are standing by for you and your family this grilling season.

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a MBE/WBE certified minority and women-owned and family

run

company serving Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, and the North Shore. The business provides disaster restoration services for damages caused by tornadoes, water, fire, flooding, mold remediation, and a wide range of interior specialty cleaning (hoarder/clutter, post construction, carpet & upholstery) to residential and commercial customers residing in Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest and the North Shore. For more information, give us a call at 773-376-1110 or visit servicemasterbysimons.com.

LinkedInLinkedInFacebookFacebookmailmail
Sam Simon

Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.

He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.

Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.

In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.

Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career under the name Sam Zabadneh, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
IMDb Profile

Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.

Under the direction of majority owner and President & CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:

Subscribe

Subscribe now for expert tips, rapid-response insights, and restoration guidance delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re recovering from fire, water, or mold damage, stay prepared with advice from the trusted pros at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons.

Restoration and Recovery Tips

Get Help Now

Stop fire, water, and mold damage before it spreads! Call us day or night to restore your home or business—we’ll Get You Back to Normal, FAST!™

Icon(773) 376-1110