Using Care When Grilling - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

• 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 an awning or any under covering that can catch fire.
• Never leave the grill unattended, especially when small children and pets are present.
• Be cautious of overhead obstructions, including tree branches, while grilling.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy when grilling and know how to properly use it.
• 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 kinks in the hose or tubing.
• Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
• Replace scratched or frayed connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
• Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the propane tank. NEVER use a match to check for leaks. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.
• Keep lit cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.
• Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. Take it to your local home improvement store, hardware store or a qualified appliance repairperson.
• 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 a propane tank to 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 charcoal is completely extinguished.
• Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire. Both can cause an explosion.
• Never attempt to restart the flame by adding additional lighting fluid to an already lit grill.
• If you use an electrical charcoal lighter, only use a UL Listed lighter.
• Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to handle flare-ups while grilling.
• Be sure to place your grill on a flat, level surface so it won't tip over.
• 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.

Source: National Safety Council