Lighting up the grill and cooking some burgers and hot dogs is a quintessential summer family activity. It’s important while doing so to be mindful of some safety tips so you and your family can enjoy a nice BBQ without any accidents. Here are a few safety tips to consider when grilling:
- Put your grill in a safe location – Make sure your grill is at least 10 feet from any structure. This includes your home, garage, overhang, or vehicles if you are grilling in your driveway. It might be tight if you are grilling on a deck, so turn the back of the grill away from your home or anything that might be flammable. The heat radiating off the back of the grill can melt siding, or possibly make your home catch fire.
- Turn Your Tank Off Between Uses: If the knobs on your grill are accidentally turned on, gas might come out of the burners. A spark then could create a major issue. When you get done grilling, turn off the burners, then reach under the grill and turn off the tank.
- Open the Lid When You Turn On the Burners – Propane is heavier than air and can sit in the bottom of the inside grill if the gas isn’t ignited quickly. Keeping the lid open can help ventilate that additional gas and prevent a fireball.
- Never Leave Your Grill Unattended – Grills get hot. Always keep an eye on your grill so any little ones don’t wonder too close, or if there is an issue with the grill, you are there to take care of it.
- Keep Your Grill Clean – A little TLC on your grill can help keep additional grease off it that may cause your grill to flare up when you go to cook next time.
- Keep a Fire Extinguisher Close – Most of us have a fire extinguisher around the house. Be mindful of its location in case you have an out-of-control flame in your grill.
- Use a Propane Tank with an OPD Valve – A propane tank equipped with an Overfill Protection Device will prevent propane from coming out of the tank if the valve were to be turned on when it is not hooked up to your grill. It also prevents the tank from being overfilled. The OPD valve is recognizable by its triangular shaped value handle. If you have an old tank (OPD valves have been required since 2002) laying around, check with your local propane provider to make sure it is equipped with an OPD and if it is safe to use.In general, most grills have enough integrated safety features to keep the chances of an accident low. Also, there are those safety features in your grill tank with an OPD valve. However, with a little extra caution and mindfulness of common safety procedures, your day on the grill can be safe, fun, and tasty!