Every summer, grilling accidents lead to fires and injuries. Keep family and friends safe this season by adding these grilling safety tips into your cookout routine.
1. Be Smart About Grilling With Propane
Propane is a highly flammable gas. Check for gas leaks by putting soapy water on the connection points of the hose and tank, and along the entire length of the hose. If you notice bubbles when you turn the gas on, it’s time to replace the hose and connecting clamps. For grilling safety, wait at least five minutes before attempting to relight an extinguished grill to allow time for any excess gas to dissipate.
2. Grilling Safety Means Keeping Children and Pets Away From the Grill
Make sure pets and toddlers cannot access the grill area while you’re cooking. When cooking out this summer, have another adult around to supervise the children so you won’t have to leave a hot grill unattended. Even a quick trip inside for barbecue sauce is enough time for an injury to occur.
3. Choose a Safe Location for Grilling Safety
Find a safe place for setting up the grill. Always use your grill in a flat, open area so that smoke and carbon monoxide doesn’t accumulate. Never light a grill close to deck railings, the house, or overhanging trees or foliage. Plants are nice additions to the deck but can be a fire hazard when they are too close to the grill.
4. Clean Your Grill After Each Use
When grease and fat build up on the grates, it can easily ignite. Prevent this situation by cleaning the grill surfaces after every use. Your food will taste better and you’ll be practicing an important grilling safety tip.
5. Always Attend Your Grill
Gather your supplies before you light the grill so that you don’t have to leave the grill unattended. If you realize that you forgot something, ask someone else to get it for you. Grilling food can start a fire and even a small fire can get out of hand quickly. Keep watch on the grill at all times and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
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