Fire up the Grill, not the Patio

Labor Day is Here!

Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, by which time 30 states already celebrated it. Labor Day commemorates the contributions working people have made to the United States. Like our clients, those of us at SERVPRO^® of North Pensacola don’t have people to peel grapes for us and bring in cartloads of money, so we appreciate the nod. Nonetheless, if someone needs us, we’ll be there. Disasters don’t take time off on holidays, so we’re always ready to work.

If a fire does get out of control, call SERVPRO of North Pensacola at 850-466-3076. Our emergency service is available all day, every day.

Even simple meals taste great when grilled, and evidence shows many people agree. 70% of adults in the United States have a grill or smoker, and it may be even common here in sunny Florida.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) reports that every year, fire departments go to an average of 8,900 home fires involving barbeques, hibachis, or grills. These fires include 3,900 structure fires (homes or outbuildings) and 4,900 outside or unclassified fires.

That’s a lot of fires, and they cause a lot of fire damage.

Safety Tips

At SERVPRO of North Pensacola, we want everyone to enjoy their barbeques. We have these safety tips from the NFPA:

• Unless a grill is designed specifically for indoor use, use grills outside only.
• Keep grills (and smokers, hibachis, etc.) far away from anything that can catch fire, such as wood railings, doors, hanging branches, or outdoor furniture.
• Clean grease from the grill, and ashes from the trays.
• Never leave grills unattended.
• NEVER add charcoal fluid or any flammable liquid to a fire that has already started.
• We’re going to list it again: NEVER add charcoal fluid or anything flammable to a fire that has already started.
• Check propane grills and tanks for leaks by applying a soap and water solution to a hose while the grill is cold; if there is a leak, bubbles will appear, and they will not stop.
• Turn off the grill immediately if you smell gas, then call the fire department.

The Fun Stuff

The safety lecture is done, so it’s time for new idea about what to grill.

Lemonade

No, we don’t expect you to grill the lemonade itself. Grill the lemons!

• Cut lemons in half.
• Dip each half in sugar.
• Grill over rosemary branches.
• When the lemons are cool, squeeze into a pitcher and make your regular recipe.

Lasagna

• Grill the parboiled lasagna noodles until they are lightly charred.
• Use the noodles in a favorite recipe, but instead of cooking the lasagna over the stove, use the grill.

Salad

• Roast favorite vegetables with a little olive oil and whatever seasonings you like.
• Put a hunk of Romaine lettuce on the grill.
• Take it all off the grill and mix it together with cheese and a favorite vinegar or use a cheese-filled dressing.

Enjoy your cookout and stay safe.