Barbecuing can be fun, fast and delicious, but also dangerous, and sometimes deadly, if you’re not careful. By following a few simple safety tips, your grilling experience can be safe and enjoyable. Before you begin grilling, make sure that all flammable materials are removed from the cooking area, especially alcohol. Also, be sure to protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits high up over your forearm. You may also want to wear tighter-fitting clothes, as loose clothing is susceptible to flames and serious injury. By paying close attention to your grill directions and following them closely, you can avoid many dangerous situations. In the case of indoor grills, you need to make sure a fire extinguisher is close by and never throw water on a grease fire. Maintaining proper ventilation for indoor grills is most important, even if your grill has a built in vent, so be sure to leave a window open. When using a gas grill, make sure the gas cylinder is always stored outside and away from your house. Also, when not in use, make sure all valves are turned off. You can check for leaks in the connections by using a soap and water mix that shows bubbles where the gas escapes. All barbecue grills should be kept on a level surface away from your house, garage, landscaping, and children. For charcoal grills, only use starter fluids designed for your grill and never use gasoline. After you’re finished cooking, you may want to soak the coals with water before placing them in the trash. Always remember that grills remain hot after you’re through using them.
