Grilling Safety

Summer is here and that means it’s time to fire up the grill. No matter if you are using your own gas grill, charcoal grill, or electric grill, safety always come first.

Here are some safety tips that will keep you, your home, and your family safe during grilling season:

Grill outside and away from any structures

• Charcoal and gas grills are designed for outdoor use only. Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill and away from siding, deck rails and eaves. Also pay attention to overhanging tree branches when you set up your grill.

Make sure your grill is stable

• Only set up your grill on a flat surface and make sure the grill can’t be tipped over. Consider using a grill pad or splatter mat underneath your grill to protect your deck or patio.

Keep your grill clean

• Remove grease or fat buildup from both the grill and the tray below the grill. If you are using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to completely cool off before disposing of them in a metal container.

Check for propane leaks on your gas grill

• Before you light up the grill for the season, check the gas tank hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose and then turning on the gas. If there is a propane leak, the solution will bubble. Other signs of a propane leak include the smell of gas near the barbecue or a flame that won’t light.

If the flame goes out, wait to re-light

• If you are using a gas grill and the flame goes out, turn the grill and the gas off, then wait at least five minutes to re-light it.

Take care around the grill

• Never leave a lit grill unattended. Don’t allow kids or pets to play near the grill. Never try to move a lit or hot grill, and remember the grill will stay hot for at least an hour after use.

Be careful with charcoal starter fluid

• If you use a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. If the fire starts to go out, don’t add any starter fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Consider using a charcoal chimney starter, which uses newspaper to start the fire instead of starter fluid.

Be ready to put out the fire

• Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand next to the grill. Never use water to put out grease fire.

 

 

Updated: 6/01/22