Summertime is grilling season, and burgers and hot dogs over a sizzling fire are a welcome sight at backyard barbecues across Texas. But fire anywhere else can make your family cookout memorable for all the wrong reasons. Remember these rules for grilling.
Electric Grills
- Don’t expose cords, plugs or heating elements to liquids.
- Check the grill for damage before operation, and replace broken parts.
- Turn the unit off before plugging in or unplugging.
- Plug the grill into an outlet with a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
- Don’t use the grill near combustible materials.
- Don’t use the grill in the rain.
Charcoal and Propane Grills
- Only use your grill outdoors. Grills are fire hazards and produce carbon monoxide, a deadly gas, so keep yours in a well-ventilated, open-air space.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Young ones or Fido can knock over grills and start a fire or injure themselves or others.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grates and in the trays below the grates. Buildup can start a grease fire.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
Charcoal Grills
- Use only charcoal starter fluid and never add flammable liquids to a fire.
- Keep charcoal lighter fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
- Cool coals completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
Propane Grills
- Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it. If your grill has a gas leak but no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If it 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.
Whatever type of grill you’re using, keep these tips in mind:
- Always check the burn ban status in your area before lighting your grill.
- Keep a fire extinguisher readily available just in case.
- Make sure grills are a safe distance from your home or other wood structures, including tree branches, that could create a fire risk.
- Place the grill on a flat, stable surface.
- Arm yourself with heavy-duty oven mitts and pot holders, and wear appropriate clothing.
