Grilling Safety

There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But a grill placed too close to the house or under patios can create a fire hazard. They can become very hot causing burn injuries.

Propane Grills

  • Propane grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under leaves and overhanging branches.
  • Check the propane tank hoses for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
  • If you smell propane while cooking shut off the gas valve immediately.
  • Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
  • Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gas on a gas grill.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Always use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Charcoal Grills

  • Charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area
  • There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
  • If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
  • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
  • There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use
  • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely.
  • Never empty coals directly into a trash can. Instead, place coals in a covered metal container located at least 10 feet away from your home and any other building.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

If a fire or emergency occurs call 911, provide the dispatcher the nature of the emergency, location of the emergency, your name and call back number.

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