Grilling Safety

Grilling Tips

Firing up the grill for the first time of the year? First tip: Make sure to clean it! Remove grease or fat deposits from grates and trays. Here are a few additional tips to ensure a safe grilling experience.

Propane Grilling Tips

Propane is quite quick and convenient. Even with the convience, don't forget these safety considerations:

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
• Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
• If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill.
• If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.<
• If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.*

Charcoal Grilling Tips

If you're going the more challenging route (and quite a tasty one), here are a few trips for grilling with charcoal:

• If you use starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat.
• Charcoal chimney starters let you use newspaper as fuel.
• Electric charcoal starters don’t even use fire. But be sure to use an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
• When finished grilling, let the coals cool completely, and dispose of them in a metal container.