This past weekend marked the kick off of grilling season! How I have missed the smell of grilled food lingering in the warm air. Before getting carried away thinking you are the next grill master remember these five tips:
1. Be Prepared - Make sure to have a fire extinquisher on hand. According to the Washington Post there is an average of 7,100 home fires per year involving gas grills and 1,200 home fires involving charcoal or other solid-fueled grills. Putting out those fires quickly could sharply reduce the $75 million annually in property damage caused by grill fires.
2. Position the Grill Wisely - Make sure the grill is not too close to the house, deck railing, eaves, or branches.
3. Check the Grill Before Lighting It- Make sure to check the tank hose for leaks. You can do this by putting soapy water on the hose. When you turn the gas on it bubbles if you have a leak. Turn off the gas and have a professional handle it.
4. Don't Leave the Grill Unattended
5. Make Sure Children Stay Away From Grill- You want to keep children at least 3 feet from grill. Children younger than 5 years old make up about 26% of the thermal grill burns.
Now that you are ready to go out and light up your grill please remember these five tips and have a happy and safe summer!