Looking at the garage, you wonder if it is safe to grill, so you begin to rush for cover and safety. You may have lit the grill only to find out it is about to pour down rain, or maybe the wind picked up and is too strong to grill out in the open.
But is it really safe? That is, can you really grill in the garage?
No, it isn’t safe to grill in the garage. The smoke becomes entrapped, causing carbon monoxide build-up, which can kill you. Grease splatters on the walls and floors, causing a slippery situation that can be difficult to clean. Besides, escape measures are not great if a fire breaks out at the opening to your garage, leaving you trapped inside.
Throughout this article, we will look at every angle why it is not a good idea to grill in the garage.
We can help you look at other alternatives if shelter from the weather is what you are seeking. The good news is there are better ways to grill during inclement weather, and we are here to show you how it’s done!
Carbon Monoxide Build Up
When you grill in the garage, you are essentially trapping the smoke inside. The garage is not well ventilated like the outdoors, which can cause a build-up of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can build up quickly and be deadly.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that more than 400 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 20,000 visit the emergency room.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness or confusion
If you experience any of these symptoms while grilling in your garage, get outside into fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.
One more thing to think about when grilling in a garage, especially if it is attached to the home. All of that smoke will get inside your home. This also leaves you susceptible to smoke inhalation. It is dangerous for anyone inside and will leave the smoke smell for days.
Grease Splatters on the Walls and Floor
Another hazard of grilling in the garage is grease splatters.
When you are cooking, grease will inevitably splatter on the walls and floor of your garage. This can create a slip-and-fall hazard, as well as be difficult to clean.
Burns can occur more in this situation than any other because once you lose your footing, hot food, cooking utensils, or the pit itself may cause up to third-degree burns.
You will notice dark spots where the smoke hits even after grilling in the garage for the first time.
The grease is even in the smoke as it goes to the ceiling of the garage and the walls; the smoke can discolor them. The only way to clean those mess-ups is by repainting the entire interior of the garage.
Ask yourself, is it worth the extra hard work of cleaning up after grilling?
It is a Fire Hazard to Grill Inside a Garage
If a fire were to break out while grilling in your garage, you would be trapped inside with no easy way to escape.
Garage doors are not typically designed as emergency exits, so you will rely on the door that leads into your home as your only way out. You could be in serious trouble if that door is blocked by flames or smoke.
So, while grilling may seem like a great idea to stay dry and warm during inclement weather, it is not worth the risk of trapping yourself inside a garage with no easy escape if a fire starts.
The fire on a grill is enough to control. The last thing you need is a real fire that is getting out of control, ready to take down your garage and home, and the ultimate fatality is losing your life.
The other fire hazard is an explosion if you are cooking with a gas grill. We all know propane is highly flammable and must be used only for outdoor use.
Not to mention, if the propane has an undetectable leak, you are putting yourself at risk of grilling in an almost enclosed area. There will be no chance for survival if there is an explosion.
Other Ways to Grilling In Shelter
There are better ways to grill during lousy weather.
You can invest in a portable carport that will provide shelter from the elements while cooking. It will have enough openings, so the smoke is not trapped inside you.
You can also purchase a grill that is specifically designed for use during bad weather. These grills are enclosed on all sides and have vents to allow the smoke to escape, preventing carbon monoxide build-up.
If you have a grill that can withstand the weather, you can wait in the garage out of the rain while the grill is still cooking the food. You only have to monitor the temperature because the rain can cool down the grill.
Maybe if there is a small porch cover over the garage, you can safely seek shelter in the garage while the pit is burning. Ensure that all the smoke blows away from the building and not inside the garage.
Canopies are an excellent way to grill that is safe in degrading weather spells. The top must be high enough not to catch fire from the extreme heat of the grill, and there are openings for excellent ventilation.
As long as the rain isn’t coming down sideways, it is a safe way to grill. If you are lucky, the backside of the building will block the worst part of the wind. If you need more shelter, use boards and nail them up to block the wind.
Consider Safety Number One
Grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, even when the weather is not cooperating. But it is essential to do so safely to avoid injury or worse.
So, before you fire up the grill in your garage, think about the risks involved and consider one of the safer alternatives.
There are safer ways to grill in bad weather, so consider one of those options instead. Rainy days can soak things and may not be worth putting off a BBQ. However, take heed and precaution and go back in the house if it’s lightning and thundering.
Related: Can You Grill When It’s Raining?
Keep grilling fun and safe this season so that you can fire up some more for additional seasons to come! Remember, shortcuts and bad ideas are not worth your life.
