Just because the summer season has come to a close, that doesn’t mean you have to back up your grill until next year. If you’re still hankering for a perfectly grilled steak or a burger piled high with all the fixings, check out a quick safety guide from Riverview Electric. Based in Poughkeepsie and serving all of Westchester and Putnam counties, the seasoned electrical contractors want to remind everyone to use safe electrical practices all-year round—especially for electric grills.

Here are a few important safety tips for operating your electric grill this fall:

• Inspect All Cords For Damage: Before using any electrical appliance—especially if it’s been a few weeks since you last turned it on—check the cords for damage. Pests, such as rodents, can chew through the wiring while the device is in storage.

• Steer Clear Of Flammable Materials: Electric grills work differently than charcoal, so keep all combustible or flammable materials away from the appliance. 

• Avoid Moisture: Prepare for any fall rainstorms—and remember to always stow your electric grill at the end of the day. Electrical appliances cannot be immersed in water, but even a small bit of moisture exposure is dangerous. The electrical contractors at Riverview Electric recommend storing your appliance indoors whenever possible.

• Use A GFI Outlet: To significantly reduce your risk of shock, install GFI power outlets outside your home. These are much safer to use, as they immediately shut off the power to an appliance when they detect the slightest difference in electrical current between the input and output currents.

• Unplug When Not In Use: Is your grill turned off all the way? Always double-check that the appliance is properly turned off—some models don’t “click” when you turn the dial. 

For more safety tips, contact the electrical contractors at Riverview Electric. For service in Mamaroneck, Tarrytown, Cold Spring, and Mohegan Lake, you can reach Riverview Electric at (914) 760-0774 for a quote. For more information, you can also visit their website.