Safe Grilling

Power tips for outdoor cooks

Outdoor grilling causes more than 600 accidental fires annually; according to the government, consumers shell out millions of dollars on property damage caused by outdoor cooking accidents. The following list of tips and tricks are designed to promote a smooth, incident-free experience.

Keep a fire extinguisher at hand during all outdoor cooking activities. Make sure the unit has been charged and is fully operational. If a fire extinguisher is not available, keep a bucket of sand close by the cooking area in case of emergency. Never use water to extinguish a cooking fire.

Brush the grill rack with vegetable oil or cooking spray before heating the grill to prevent food from sticking and to help with cleanup. Debris on the grill surface can pose a fire hazard.

Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any cooking equipment, especially turkey fryers, grills, and smokers.

Place a grill at least 10 feet away from any house or building, including overhangs, eaves, and shutters.

Never leave the grill unattended, especially when young children or pets are nearby.

Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire. Use only starter fluid. Also, do not attempt to restart a flame by adding additional lighting fluid to a smoldering grill, as this can cause a fireball.

To dispose of charcoal, first hose it down with cold water. Coals can get extremely hot, up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. To accommodate the intense heat, use insulated, flame-retardant mitts and long-handled barbecue tongs and utensils.

Cooking with gas

As with charcoal grills, users should always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the product. If the manual is misplaced, manufacturers will usually replace it at no charge.

Check the grill hoses for cracks, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no kinks in the hose or tubing, as they can lead to leaks.

Check the tubes leading into the burner for any blockages from insects, spiders, or grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear any obstruction and pass it through to the main part of the burners.

Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions. If you smell gas, particularly when you reconnect the grill to the propane tank, do not light it and contact the local utility immediately. Turn off the gas and don’t use the grill until the situation has been rectified.

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