Grill Safety Tips for the Spring

More than likely, you’ve already cleaned off your propane grill, refilled your propane cylinders and done some good down home cooking! But as the BBQ season continues to heat up, it’s always a good idea to review safety tips. Here are 20 pieces of advice from our propane experts…

1. Before cooking, always check hoses for kinks, cracks or damage.
2. 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.
3. Take care when grilling high-fat foods, which often produce high flames.
4. If your grill starter is broken, don’t use it and call in a professional to make a safe repair.
5. Never throw a lit match into a gas grill.
6. 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.
7. Keep a fire extinguisher near your propane grill; make sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it.
8. Stay close to the grill when cooking and keep it in sight at all times.
9. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
10. Keep your propane grill cover open until you’re sure the grill is lit, even if you have electronic ignition.
11. When finished cooking, turn off the burner controls and close the cylinder valve.
12. Always store propane cylinders outdoors in an upright, vertical position.
13. When transporting your portable 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!
14. Avoid wearing clothing that hangs over your grill.
15. Use long utensils to avoid burns on your arms and hands.
16. Make sure your food is cooked to proper, healthy temperatures.
17. Always follow instructions detailed in your grill’s operating manual.
18. Avoid using a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof.
19. Never grill indoors! It is a fire and carbon monoxide hazard.
20. Always follow instructions detailed in your grill’s operating manual.

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.

Enjoy your outdoor grilling season in North Carolina – and as always, stay safe!