One of the best parts of warmer weather is getting more use out of your grill. On hot days, grilling outdoors can keep your home cooler inside. And nothing captures the essence of summer fun more than flavorful marinades and perfect grill marks on your favorite foods.

But because grills involve open flames, they can be dangerous without proper precautions. Whether you use charcoal briquettes or propane for your outdoor cooking, here are tips to keep your family and your surroundings safe.

Cleaning Your Grill

It is essential to clean the grill after every use to prevent grease buildup, which can cause grill fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), about 20% of grill fires happen because the grills were not cleaned properly.

It is easier to clean a grill grate while it is still warm. After allowing food residue to burn off, let the grate cool so it is only slightly warm. Use a scrubber to scrape off any remaining food particles.

If there is still some residue, remove the grate and soak it in soapy water. Rinse, air dry and return it to the grill. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning other parts of your grill, such as the grease trap.

While many people use wire bristle brushes to scrub grills, these brushes can pose a hazard if the bristles break off and end up in food. Check your brush often for wear and loose bristles and throw it away if you find any issues. To avoid this problem, choose a different type of scrubber.

Check Your Surroundings

If you are using a gas or propane grill, first check for gas leaks. You can find tutorials online, such as Checking Your Gas Grill for Leaks from the NFPA, to show you how. Gas leaks are one of the leading causes of grill fires.

For both gas and charcoal grills, check your surroundings and move your grill accordingly:

• Place the grill away from structures such as deck railings and your home.
• Move the grill away from overhanging branches.
• Keep a kid- and pet-free zone around the grill – at least 3 feet away.

Light It Up

If you are cooking with charcoal briquettes, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add more charcoal lighter or other flammable liquids to a fire that is already lit. For propane/gas grills, make sure the lid is open before lighting the grill.

Sources:
American Cleaning Institute
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
National Fire Protection Association