Grilling Safety

Written by Jerald Coffman

Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at any family cookout. Fire anywhere else can make your summer barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. So for safety’s sake, here are some hot tips on how to keep your barbecue from blowing up in your face.

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• Grills should be placed well away from the house, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and in any trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

Charcoal Grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using a newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquid to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing of in a metal container.

Propane Grills

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a propane leak solution or make a solution of soap and water to apply to hose fittings. If you see a bubble when you apply the solution you have a leak.
• If you smell gas while you’re cooking, turn the gas off at the tank and contact a service professional.

Be safe and enjoy your grill.

Jerald Coffman

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