Food cooked outdoors, especially on a propane or charcoal grill in the backyard has a special appeal.  But grilling outdoors can be dangerous, even deadly, unless you take precautions.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8800 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues.  Of these fires,  about started on a courtyard, terrace or patio while 29 percent started on an exterior balcony or open porch.

Nevertheless, if you are like most Americans, you too enjoy summer grilling.  So, the following are some of the most important safety tips to assure that your barbecue is risk-free, whether you do a gas or charcoal grilling.

Safety Tips for Successful Backyard Grilling

• Place your grill on a level surface at least ten feet away from all other objects including structures like your house, garage, etc.; and stay clear of landscaping and traffic areas. 
• When grilling is complete, be sure to keep children and pets well away from the grill until it has completely cooled. 
• Never grill in an enclosed space including homes, vehicles, tents, campers, garages, etc.  This can be a deadly risk both for fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Use only long-handled grilling tools and wear dry oven mitts that cover your forearm to avoid burns when cooking. 
• After grilling with charcoal, soak the coals with water and store in a metal container for disposal. 
• After cooking on a gas grill, turn off BOTH the grill and the propane bottle. 

Need some help making the best meal ever on the grill?
Check out this one-stop site for your next outdoor get together.

MORE ON GRILLING SAFETY

• Learn the proper use and care of the gas grill (Video: National Fire Protection Association).
• Get the NFPA Grilling Safety Tip Sheet (PDF)

When we get a referral from a client or a friend in the community like yourself, it means a lot to us.  The experienced agents here at William M. Sparks Insurance in Timonium, MD, work hard to earn each referral by providing “top notch” service with every call and visit.  Now, we’ve found a way to say thank you for this business through our Sparks Insurance Referral Program.   It’s our way of showing appreciation for all the referrals our loyal friends have sent our way.

Renae Osborn of Baltimore was our winner for 2016.

Renae was chosen a while ago and invited to visit our office to receive our appreciation and her prize -- a FitBit Charge2.  We finally caught up with Renae recently to pass along her prize.

Could you be our next Referral Winner?

Check out our website for the Referral Program details, and then decide who you know that could use the service and expertise of Timonium/Lutherville's best insurance agency.

By referring your friends, neighbors and family to William Sparks Insurance Agency, you can enjoy a win-win.  Not only will you be automatically entered into our drawing to be the next Referral program Winner, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped those that you care about to have access to the best insurance service and expertise in Lutherville/Timonium and beyond. 

See our website for all the Referral Program details.

Feel free to contact any of our very capable and experienced agents at the William M. Sparks Insurance Agency here in Lutherville/Timonium, MD to discuss your insurance questions.  We can help you review your current insurance policy and explore your options to be sure you have the best coverage and protection according to your circumstances.

If you’re in the market for a home, then you’re certainly not alone since almost half of all home sales happen between April and June each year. That is why it’s known as the “homebuying season.”

If you’re a typical home buyer, you’ll have a lot of questions – from costs, fees and taxes to mortgage qualification. When you find the house that’s right for you, you’ll also need to think about homeowners insurance and how it will impact your ability to make an offer on that dream home.

View the video below to find out what insurance questions you’ll need to ask…

Feel free to contact any of our very capable and experienced agents at the William M. Sparks Insurance Agency here in Lutherville/Timonium, MD to discuss your insurance questions.  We can help you review your current insurance policy and explore your options to be sure you have the best coverage and protection according to your circumstances.

If the love of your life has chosen Valentine’s Day to pop the question, then we send our congratulations and best wishes to both of you. Take your time. Savor the moment, and make it a cherished memory. But then we hope you’ll remember the practical side of owning that beautiful diamond ring. You might not be “thinking insurance” but we are. The Insurance Information Institute tells us that one of the most frequent of all homeowners’ content-related insurance claims is for the loss of valuable jewelry. We know that you’ll want to see that your new engagement ring is financially protected in case it is lost, stolen or damaged.

Click on READ MORE below to learn the steps to protect your ring as soon as possible…

It’s that time of year when we all decide the improve ourselves. We set out New Year’s resolutions, usually designed to enhance our health or our appearance. Those are admirable goals for sure. But if you’ve been there and done that, year after year, you might be ready for something fresh – something that will polish your skills and keep you safe at the same time.

We’re talking about resolutions to become a better driver. To make it a little easier for you, click on READ MORE below for some suggested resolutions to keep you safe on the road...