Please Read Our Safety Tips for Propane Grilling
Posted: July 10, 2017
When we think about summer fun, many images come to mind: hanging out with friends and family, enjoying the great outdoors, vacations, cold lemonade—and delicious backyard barbecues!
With plenty of summer fun still ahead of us, our propane team has put together 10 reminders to help you enjoy safe outdoor cooking with your propane grill. This is especially relevant right now because July is the peak month for grill fires. In fact, about half of the injuries involving grills are thermal burns that could be avoided if safety guidelines are followed.
- Clean your grill after each use to avoid flare-ups when cooking. Leftover grease causes about 20 percent of grill fires – more than any other factor.
- 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.
- Before cooking, always check hoses for kinks, cracks or damage.
- Keep a fire extinguisher near your propane grill; make sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it.
- Stay close to the grill when cooking and keep it in sight at all times.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Keep your propane grill cover open until you’re sure the grill is lit – even if you have electronic ignition.
- When finished cooking, turn off the burner controls and close the cylinder valve.
- Always store propane cylinders outdoors in an upright, vertical position.
- When transporting your 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!
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 us and our propane experts will be glad to help. You can also read more propane safety tips here.
Have a safe and happy summer!