
Prevent Fire Restoration Needs with Grilling Safety Tips

Nasutsa Mabwa
June 29, 2014Grill safe and grill smart to prevent fire damage in Chicago this summer.
Now that summer is officially here, almost everyone should have their grills pulled out onto the patio, dusted off, and ready to fire-up! Backyard barbeques are the quintessential image of summers in America. Flaming hot grills also bring the risk of fire damage, and potentially the need for
fire restoration in Chicago.
From proper placement to equipment malfunctions, there are many fire damage risks associated with grills.
The first tip to keeping
fire restoration
risks at a minimum is to always monitor the grill. Never leave the grill unattended, and always supervise children closely. Be sure to position the grill so it is not too close to any structure, far from overhanging brush, fabrics, outdoor furniture, or other flammable materials. Paying attention is the first step to preventing
fire restoration
needs.
A grill should never be used in an enclosed space, especially in a garage where other flammable materials may be stored. Built-up grease or nearby flammable materials are a main cause of
fire damage
and potential problems that are easily preventable.
In the case that
fire damage
does occur, it’s always a good idea to keep a fire blanket and extinguisher nearby. A little bit of preparation can prevent you from yelling in frustration for
fire restoration services
!
Most importantly, be knowledgeable about the type of grill your are operating. Charcoal and gas grills have different
fire damage
risks, but both should be treated with care and caution.
If you’re grilling adventure goes awry, you can always
call ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons
. With the best equipment and technique in the
fire restoration
and technicians certified by the IICRC, calling us is the right choice. Our emergency line is answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year including holidays. From
Evanston to Chicago, fire restoration
should be done by us for expert, complete, and thorough repairs.
Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a nationally recognized, award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients.
A respected business and civic leader, Nasutsa has received numerous honors for her contributions to the industry and her community. Her accolades include:
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies - 2025 recipient
- Top 100 Women to KNOW in America (2024) by KNOW Women & JPMorgan Chase
- Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40
- SB100 Best of Small Business Award
- 2020 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
- Stevie® Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award
- 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award
She is IICRC-certified in both Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), combining technical expertise with visionary leadership. Nasutsa holds a Master’s in Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA in Real Estate Development from Roosevelt University.
Beyond her business achievements, Nasutsa is an active community advocate. She is a Board Member of the Civic Federation, an Advisory Board Member, and Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is also a long-standing member of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO).
She is the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, an essential guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water and fire disasters.
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
Flooded basement? Burst pipe? Don’t wait—water damage spreads fast. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24/7 emergency water damage cleanup for Chicagoland and North Shore homes. With 40+ years of local expertise and IICRC-certified crews, we’ll protect your property and start the restoration immediately.

