While a proper ground and GFI will prevent shorts/fires/etc, I think the real question is "what's going to happen to my food if the power is lost?" At least that's what I'd be asking.
I run a longer AND heavier weight cord from an outlet inside the garage under the closed garage door to the smoker outside and have a 2' x 2' piece of plywood I lay over the plug to ensure no water onto the plug. Never had a problem, but I do the same with boat charger, etc, that needs to be plugged in overnight.
I believe in catch and release fishing. I don't want to EAT 'em all, I just want to GREET 'em all!