Gas Grilling Safety Tips

Grilling has become a mainstay of American life. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association's (HPBA) most recently published State of the Barbecue Industry report, grill or smoker ownership has reached the highest level the survey has ever recorded — roughly four in five homeowners and seven in ten households nationwide now own one, with gas remaining the most popular choice among grill owners. It's easy to see why: gathering family and friends around the grill is easy, keeps the heat out of the kitchen, and gets a delicious meal on the table fast.

But safety matters as much as flavor. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that gas grills are involved in the large majority of home grilling fires — making safe habits especially important. Here's a refresher on the following safe grilling tips:

1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Whether it is assembly, use, maintenance, cleaning or storage, make your grill manufacturer's instructions your "go-to" resource for safe grilling.
   
   
2. Position the grill in a safe location. Keep your grill outdoors at least five feet from the house on a level surface clear of outdoor furniture, overhead trees, and other potential fire hazards, including deck railings and eaves.
   
   
3. Check for leaks. Inspect your cylinder and outdoor gas appliances for leaks. Do this before using them for the first time each season, and on a regular basis. This can be accomplished with a simple "bubble" test. Apply leak detector solution or thick soapy water to check the connections between the cylinder valve and the regulator outlet for leaks. Slowly open the cylinder valve and watch for bubbles. Expanding bubbles indicate a leak. If bubbles appear, close the cylinder valve, tighten the connection, and repeat the process. If bubbles still appear, call your propane retailer immediately. Follow this procedure every time you replace a cylinder.
   
   
4. Follow proper lighting procedures. Follow the manufacturer's lighting instructions. With all grill models, keep the lid open and don't lean over the grill when lighting.
   
   
5. Follow proper re-lighting procedures. If the flame goes out, turn off the gas and refer to your owner's manual. At a minimum, with all grill models, keep the lid open and wait at least 15 minutes before relighting.
   
   
6. Be present. Stay close and never leave your grill unattended. Keep children and pets away from the grill.
   
   
7. Do not move a hot grill.
   
   
8. Never store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, tent or under or near a barbecue grill. Never store or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat (120 degrees or higher) or near a stove, fireplace, or other heat source. Do not smoke or have any ignition sources such as flames or spark-producing electrical tools in the area while handling or transporting a propane cylinder.
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9. Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns and spatters. Do not wear anything with hanging shirttails, frills, or apron strings. Use flame-retardant mitts when adjusting hot vents.
   
   
10. Use baking soda to control a grease fire and be sure to have a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand nearby. Never spray water on a grease fire. Water will only make a grease fire expand very rapidly.

These safety tips will help ensure you have a fun, safe grilling season. The main "ingredient" in outdoor cooking safety is common sense. This information is not intended to take the place of your grill manufacturer's instructions. Always read and follow your grill manufacturer's instructions. Happy grilling!