Cookout season is officially underway. If you’re the top chef on the block (or maybe just the backyard), the grill is a familiar sight, but getting too comfortable could spell harm for you or your family. So whether you’re grilling up the burgers or just kicking back until the food comes to you, make sure your cookout is fun and safe by following standard safety guidelines before firing up that gas grill.
Here are a few tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to keep in mind this cookout season:
- Before lighting a gas grill, check hoses for cracks, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Replace the hose if any of these conditions are present.
- Move hoses as far as possible away from hot surfaces and hot grease.
- Never bring flammable liquids or open flames near a gas grill.
- Grills should be at least 10 feet away from homes and other structures, including garages, breezeways, and carports.
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the grill.
- If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and do not attempt to light the grill until the leak has been fixed by a qualified appliance repair person. Do not attempt to fix the leak yourself.
- When transporting and storing propane gas containers, always keep them upright. Never leave a spare gas container in the house, under a grill, or in a hot car.
For more information about safe handling of propane gas tanks and gas grill safety check out these guidelines from Propane Education & Research Council.
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