Ready, Set, Grill!
Grilling can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Unfortunately, where there is fun there is also the potential for safety issues.
Here are some important tips to help you keep danger away when you are enjoying food and fun:
- Choose a safe level location for your grill more than ten feet away from the house or other structures. Grills should not be used on a balcony or under an overhang. Avoid placing grills too close to combustible deck rails.
- Grill outside only, even if ventilated, due to risk of harmful carbon monoxide buildup.
- Teach kids to stay in a “kid-free zone” at least three feet around the grill and areas where hot food is prepared or carried.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease from the grills and trays below the grill. If you grill with charcoal and need to dispose of the coals, soak them in water to extinguish them before disposing in a metal container.
Gas Grill Safety:
- Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
- If you smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill immediately and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
- Never turn on the gas when the lid is closed. The gas may build up inside, and when ignited, the lid could blow off and cause injuries or burns.
- Always store gas grills – and propane tanks – outside and away from your house.
Charcoal Grill Safety:
- Check for rust damage in metal grills, which may make it possible for charcoal to fall through onto surfaces below and cause a fire.
- Do not add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited. Never use any other flammable or combustible liquid to get the fire started.
- If the fire is too low, rekindle with dry kindling and more charcoal if needed. Avoid adding liquid fuel because it can cause a flash fire.
- Do not leave the grill unattended.