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Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

76 percent of American households own a grill. 600 accidental fires and explosions every year due to improper usage, resulting in countless injuries and $4.9 million of estimated damage

Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 25 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that can catch fire.

Never leave the grill unattended, especially when small children and pets are present.

Always place grill on firm, stable, flat surface -- never place on grass (AVOIDS TIP-OVERS!).

Be cautious of overhead obstructions, including tree branches, while grilling.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy when grilling and know how to properly use it (P.A.S.S.- Pull pin, Aim at base of fire, Squeeze handle, Sweep from side-to-side).

Always follow the manufacturers' 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 sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.

Replace scratched or frayed connectors, which can eventually leak gas.

Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturers' instructions if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the propane tank. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.

Be sure to place your grill on a flat, level surface so it won't tip over.

Keep lit cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from any grill.

Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself.

Take it to your local home improvement store or a qualified appliance repair person.

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.

To avoid accidents while transporting propane tanks, you should transport it in a secure upright position.

Be sure your propane tank has an over-fill prevention device. As of April 2002, all tanks sold or refilled are required to have the device to protect against propane leaks that may cause fire or explosions.

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 manufacturers' instructions when connecting or disconnecting 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 charcoals is completely extinguished.

Be sure to place your grill on a flat, level surface so it won't tip over.

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.

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.

Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire. Both can cause an explosion

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