Barbeque Safety

Cooking outdoors on your barbeque is a great way to save energy and keep your home cooler, but it's important to stay safe while enjoying backyard cookouts. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe while barbequing.

General Grill Safety Tips

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill.
    
• 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, or under a surface that can catch fire.
   
• Don't wear loose clothing, especially long sleeves, while grilling.
   
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
   
• Use proper utensils that allow you to be a safe distance from grill while cooking.
   
• Keep all children and pets away from grill while in operation and until after use until grill is cooled.
  

Safety for Gas Grills

• Before each use, inspect your propane tank for bulges, dents or corrosion. Replace if any of these conditions exist.
   
• Before each use, inspect all hoses and fixtures for brittleness, leaks, holes, cracks or sharp bends. Replace if necessary.
   
• Be sure to keep tanks upright and hoses clear of dripping grease and hot surfaces.
   
• Never use cigarettes, lighters or matches near your gas grill -- even when it is not in use.
   
• Never remove or tamper with tank valve equipment.
   
• Always close the tank valve when not in use.

Safety for Charcoal Grills

• Use charcoal lighter fluid to light new coals only; don't use it on coals that are already lit.
   
• Cap lighter fluid immediately and place a safe distance from grill.
   
• Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other highly volatile fluids as a starter. They can explode.
   
• Charcoal should be left in the grill until cold to the touch or thoroughly soaked in water before disposal.

More Safety Tips