Prepare your grill before the storm and cook with confidence when the power goes out.
When hurricane season arrives, most of us think about securing the house, stocking up on water, charging our phones, and making sure we have plenty of batteries. But there’s one important part of your hurricane preparation that is easy to overlook: your grill.
If a hurricane knocks out your power, your Wilmington Grill can become more than just the place for your weekend cookout. A gas grill can provide a convenient way to prepare meals when your kitchen appliances are without electricity.
With a little preparation before the storm, you can make sure your Wilmington Grill is clean, fueled, protected, and ready to go if the lights go out.
1. Check Your Fuel Supply Before the Storm
The last thing you want after a hurricane is to discover that your propane tank is nearly empty.
Before severe weather arrives, check your propane level and make sure you have an adequate supply for several days of cooking. Wilmington Grill recommends checking propane levels as part of routine grill maintenance and inspecting the tank for damage or rust.
If your grill is connected to a natural gas line, make sure you know how your system operates and what to do if your home’s gas service is interrupted.
2. Give Your Grill a Pre-Hurricane Inspection
Before the storm arrives, give your Wilmington Grill a quick inspection:
- Check the burners for debris or blockages.
- Inspect hoses and gas connections for signs of wear or damage.
- Make sure the ventilation openings are clear.
- Check the igniter.
- Clean the cooking grates.
- Empty and clean the drip pan.
- Make sure the lid and thermometer are functioning properly.
Wilmington Grill recommends inspecting burners, gas connections, ventilation openings, the ignition system, and propane levels as part of regular maintenance.
If something doesn’t look right, take care of it before the storm, not after the power goes out.
3. Clean the Grill Before Hurricane Season
A clean grill is a ready grill.
Grease buildup can create unwanted flare-ups, while dirty grates can make cooking more difficult. Give your Wilmington Grill a thorough cleaning before hurricane season. Follow this link to a step-by-step video on cleaning your Wilmington Grill. Click here
Once it’s clean, you’ll be ready to fire it up when you need it.
4. Protect Your Grill From the Storm
Your Wilmington Grill is built for outdoor cooking, but hurricane-force winds and flying debris are another matter.
Before the storm:
Secure the grill in a safe location if possible. Move it away from areas where falling branches, flying debris, or floodwater could damage it.
5. Keep Your Grill in a Safe Cooking Location
When the power goes out, it’s tempting to move the grill closer to the house so you don’t have to walk as far. Don’t.
A gas grill must always be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area at least 10 feet from your home or other structures and away from direct wind.
Never use your grill inside your home, garage, screened porch, or another enclosed or partially enclosed space.
6. Make a “Grill Emergency Kit”
Before hurricane season, put together a small container with everything you’ll need to cook without electricity.
Consider keeping these items together:
- Meat thermometer
- Grill utensils
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Grill brush
- Paper towels
- Long-handled lighter or approved lighting tool
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Extra batteries
- Cooking pans suitable for the grill
- Oven mitts
- Trash bags
- Seasonings
- Nonperishable foods
Having everything in one place means you’re not searching through drawers and cabinets after the power goes out.
Your Wilmington Grill Can Be Ready When the Power Isn’t
Hurricanes are unpredictable, but being prepared doesn’t have to be.
A little maintenance, a full fuel supply, a clean grill, and a few basic cooking supplies can make your Wilmington Grill an invaluable resource during a power outage.
And once the storm has passed and it’s safe to be outdoors, you may discover that your Wilmington Grill isn’t just a great way to cook dinner—it’s one more way to bring a little normalcy to an otherwise stressful situation.
For more Wilmington Grill cooking tips, maintenance advice, and accessories, visit Wilmington Grill.