Deck & Grill Safety
As residents enjoy the warmer weather, the Village’s Building Division encourages everyone with a deck and/or grill to take a few minutes to review basic safety steps. A quick check now can help prevent injuries, property damage and costly repairs later.
Before hosting guests, inspect your deck for warning signs that it may be unsafe. Look for loose or wobbly railings or support beams, missing or loose screws that connect the deck to the house and any corrosion, rot or cracks in the wood or hardware. If something doesn’t feel solid, it’s worth addressing before the deck sees heavier use.
When grilling, placement matters. Where present, a barbeque grill should be kept away from siding and deck railings and placed out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Never use grills in a garage, porch or enclosed area that could trap carbon monoxide and never grill on top of anything that can easily burn.
To help prevent burns and accidents, keep children away from grills when in use. Establish a clear safety zone around the grill and instruct children to remain outside of it. A simple chalk line can work well for this purpose. Never leave the grill unattended.
Finally, be ready in case of a flare-up or fire. When grilling, keep a fire extinguisher, a garden hose or several gallons of water close by so you can respond quickly if needed.