Grilling Safe Tips

We want you to have a happy and safe Fourth of July, so before you fire up those grills, take a look at these safety tips.

Here are some top tips for safe grilling:

• Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. 
• Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, under an awning or any covering that can catch fire. 
• Never leave the grill unattended, especially when small children and pets are present. 
• Be cautious of overhead obstructions, including tree branches, while grilling. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy when grilling and know how to use it. 
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill.

Gas Grill Safety Tips

• Check the tubes leading into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it thorough to the main part of the burner. 
• Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no kinks in the hose or tubing. 
• Replace scratched or frayed hose connectors, which can eventually leak gas. 
• Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the propane tank. 
• Keep lit cigarettes, or open flames away from a leaking grill. 
• Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. Take it to your local home improvement store, hardware store or a qualified appliance repairperson. 
• You should use caution when storing your propane tank. Always keep the containers upright. Never store a spare tank under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill. 
• Be sure your propane tank has an over-fill prevention device.
• Never keep a filled tank in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape. 
• You should use extreme caution and always follow the manufacturer's instructions when connecting or disconnecting a propane tank to your grill.

Charcoal Grill Safety Tips

• Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided. Since charcoal produces carbon monoxide fumes, do not store the grill indoors until the charcoal is completely extinguished. 
• Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire. Both can explode. 
• Never attempt to restart the flame by adding additional lighting fluid to an already lit grill. 
• Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to handle flare-ups while grilling. 
• Be sure to place your grill on a flat, level surface so it won't tip over. 
• Wait until the coals have completely cooled (may take a few hours) before disposing of them. 
• Remember, coals get HOT -- up to 1000 degrees F. Use insulated, flame-retardant mitts when cooking or handling any part of the grill. Also use long-handled barbecue tongs and utensils for safe handling of food and coals.

Click here for more information about the National Safety Council and its programs.