Grilling Safety

What’s better than grilling out? But with any cooking, there are fire safety risks. Check out the tips below so you can serve up your famous ribs or burgers this season with confidence.

Firing up the grill for the first time of the year?

Make sure to clean it! Remove grease or fat deposits from grates and trays.

Propane Grills

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
• Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
• If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill.
• If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.*

Charcoal Grills

• If you use starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat.
• Charcoal chimney starters let you use newspaper as fuel.
• Electric charcoal starters don’t even use fire. But be sure to use an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
• When finished grilling, let the coals cool completely, and dispose of them in a metal container.

Grilling Tips

_{Much of the information provided above is from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).}