Grilling Safety Tips: Stay Safe at Home This Summer

Summer Grilling Safety Tips 

Now that summer is in full swing, many of us are enjoying being outdoors that much more. While the warm weather creates a great opportunity to light up the grill and barbecue outdoors, doing so comes with unique risks. In the midst of summer fun, it could be easy to overlook basic grill safety. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, the peak month for grill fires is July, with June and August close behind. As we roll into summer barbecue season, make sure you are following these top grilling safety tips to keep your cookout free from unexpected flare-ups!

Propane Grill:

• Always check the propane tank hose for holes, cracks or leaks before use.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak while in use, turn off the grill immediately.
• Any grill suspected of leaking should be serviced by a professional before future use.
• If a leak does not stop, get away from the grill immediately and call 911.

Charcoal Grill:

• Only use starter fluid designed for charcoal use. Never use gasoline or non-approved flammable liquids.
• Do not apply starter fluid to charcoal that has already been ignited.
• When finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing of the ashes.
• Coals and ashes should be disposed of in a metal container.

Basic Safety Tips:

• Keep children and pets away from the grill when it’s in use. Remember that the grill and its parts retain heat long after the food has been served, so be sure the grilling area stays off limits until everything has completely cooled down.
• Position the grill carefully. Locate the grill on level ground and away from walls, fencing, and deck materials. Make sure the grill is not underneath any tree branches, eaves, or ceilings.
• Watch your clothing. Keep sleeves, shirttails, and aprons away from the fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a garden hose or sand bucket within reach.
• Never leave a grill unattended. Once you’ve started the fire, don’t walk away without assigning someone else to watch the grill.
• Only use utensils that are intended for grilling. Utensils for handling food on the grill should be heavy duty and have long handles.
• Let the coals cool before discarding. Even if you think the coals are out, it’s best to use a metal container for disposal.

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