Safety Tips for Propane Grilling in North Carolina

When North Carolinians think about summer fun, many look forward to spending time relaxing with friends and family, enjoying the great outdoors, vacations, baseball games, cold lemonade—and tasty backyard barbecues!

With that in mind, here are 10 reminders for safe outdoor grilling this summer.

1. Clean your propane grill after each use to avoid flare-ups when cooking. Leftover grease causes about 20 percent of grill fires – more than any other factor.
2. Keep your grill outdoors and keep it positioned at least five feet from the house. It should be on a level surface that is clear of outdoor furniture, overhead trees, or other potential fire hazards.
3. Before cooking, always check hoses for kinks, cracks or damage.
4. Keep a fire extinguisher near your propane grill; make sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it.
5. Stay close to the grill when cooking and keep it in sight at all times.
6. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
7. Keep your propane grill cover open until you’re sure the grill is lit – even if you have electronic ignition.
8. When finished cooking, turn off the burner controls and close the cylinder valve.
9. Always store propane cylinders outdoors in an upright, vertical position.
10. When transporting your tank, put it in a secure, well-ventilated place in your vehicle. Place it upright with the valve off, and take it directly to the refilling location. Do not leave a tank in a vehicle for long periods of time during the warm weather!

If you have any questions about safety for your propane grill, or if you want to learn more about your options in new outdoor grills, please contact your local propane company and they will be glad to help.

Have a safe and happy summer!