Hurricane Safety for Grills and Smokers
Hurricane season is here, so it's time to think about how best to keep your custom grill or smoker from Lone Star Grillz safe and sound in case we get a major storm this year.
Here are a few tips to keep your grill in great shape while you stay safe during severe weather season.
Sign Up for Alerts
Most cities in Texas have some sort of weather or emergency alert system that you can sign up for. This is imperative if you don't watch local broadcast news or the Weather Channel very often.
Don't live in Texas? If you're in any hurricane-prone region, the same principle applies.
You're not going to be able to respond if you don't know what's going on. Make it a point to pay attention to the weather from June to November.
Secure Your Grill
If possible, move your grill into your garage while the storm is active. You can't use it during an active hurricane anyway, so you might as well put them in a place where the wind isn't likely to get to them.
Our smokers and grills may look heavy and hearty, but if a hurricane is strong enough, hurricane-force winds can topple buildings.
If you don't have a garage, you may need to tie down your grill or chain it down so that it stays put. Never grill in your garage. It's a fire hazard, and the carbon monoxide can build up in the garage and kill you.
Keep it Outside
When your power is out, a grill can be a lifesaver that makes it easy to cook a tasty meal, but you must use it outside. Even our excellent custom-built grills aren't safe if you drag them into your living room.
Yes, you can grill safely in the rain, as long as you're not in the middle of an active hurricane. You'll need to plan for a longer cooking time since rainy weather can lower the temperature of your grill and your food.
If you're still getting some wind, it's a good idea to set up a secure tarp or piece of plywood to block the wind, as long as you keep it safely away from the grill.
Check Your Meat
Power outages bring a less-obvious grilling hazard: meat that's gone bad while the freezer was off.
Know your freezer safety: A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for 48 hours as long as it is closed. The safe window cuts to 24 hours if it is opened.
When in doubt, throw it out. Food poisoning is not good BBQ.
Ready for comfort food?
Severe weather can be stressful, especially for kids. A hot meal and a full stomach can work wonders.
Check out our recipe page for some ideas! If the rain has let up but the power is still off, some of our more creative recipes can turn a scary atmosphere into a party atmosphere and help your family build memories as you weather the storm.
Don't have your custom grill from Lone Star Grillz yet? We custom-create them and ship them all year round, even during hurricane season. Shop for your perfect grill today!