Safety Tips: Outdoor Grill

As barbecue season gets under way, it's important to be cautious when cooking outdoors.

Outdoor grills have the potential to cause serious burns and structure fires if they are used in a careless manner. More than 2,000 fires and 300 grill-related injuries occur in the United States each year, according to Mike Whitsell, a firefighter in West Des Moines, Iowa.

It is important to become familiar with city codes and ordinances for outdoor barbecuing if you live in a condominium, townhouse or apartment complex. Grills being used too close to siding or a patio can burn or melt it.

When cooking outdoors, Whitsell offered the following safety tips that may prevent an accident:

Do not wear loose clothing while cooking.
Grills should be placed 15 to 20 feet from a house, car, trees and other flammable objects when being used.
Do not use a grill in a garage, breezeway, porch, tent or under a surface that can catch fire.
Never leave a grill unattended or allow children to play near a grill that is being used.

Gas Grill Safety

Liquid petroleum and propane, which is used in some grills, is very flammable. Whitsell said to use caution and follow the manufacturer's instructions when connecting or disconnecting gas containers.

Use soapy water to check for leaks every time a gas grill is used.
Check grill hoses for cracking, holes or leaks.
Tubes that lead into the burner should be free from debris and food grease.
Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
Do not use or store your gas grill on a wood patio or porch.

Charcoal Grill Safety

Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, campers or tents.
Charcoal produces carbon monoxide. Do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.
Make sure the barbecue grill is level and keep water nearby. If the grill is uneven, embers can fall and catch combustibles on fire.
Do not use or store your charcoal grill on a wood patio or porch.
Never add lighter fluid after you have started your fire. The heat being produced can ignite the fluid and burn back to the container, causing an explosion.
Do not attempt to re-ignite used coals.
After cooking, soak the coals in water. Dispose of charcoal in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.

If A Grill Catches On Fire

If the fire is in the grill portion and seems out of control, safely turn off the burners or close the ventilation holes.
Safely attempt to shut off the tank valve.
If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate and call 911.