Grilling Safety Tips for Gas & Charcoal Grills

Both gas and charcoal grills can provide a delicious meal for all to enjoy, but they can also be quite dangerous! Follow these grilling safety tips to make sure you and your family are staying safe:

General Charcoal & Gas Grilling Tips

• Create a safe zone. Grill at least 10 ft. away from any building and make sure children, pets, and play areas are away from the grill.
• Grills should only be used in an outdoor area that is well ventilated. You should never grill inside a home, tent, vehicle, or camper.
• Clean your grill. Char that is stuck onto the grates of your grill can increase your risk of cancer if consumed. A clean grill will also prevent flare-ups.

Gas Grilling Safety Tips 

• Inspect the gas line for cracks, brittleness, or leaks. To check for leaks, apply a soapy solution to the hose and turn on the propane tank. If there is a gas leak, bubbles will begin to form around the hose. No bubbles are a good sign! It means you do not have any leaks and your grill is safe to use. However, if there is a leak, turn the gas off and check your connections. If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department immediately.
• Check major connection points such as where the propane connects to the regulator and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten the connection until it is secure.
• If you smell gas while you are cooking, turn off the gas and burners. If the leak stops, then you will need to have your grill serviced. Call the fire department and do not move the grill if you continue to smell gas.

Charcoal Grilling Safety Tips 

• Use combustibles cautiously and keep lighter fluid a safe distance away from the open flame and children. Do not use gasoline or kerosene as a starter fluid.
• Never add lighter fluid to hot coals.
• If you have an electrical charcoal starter, which does not use fire, use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• Let the charcoals cool completely after you are done, before disposing of. To speed up the process, you can dump water on the coals and stir carefully.
• To dispose of, wrap the ash in foil and place it in a metal garbage bin for your garbage pick-up.

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm, and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at (314) 227-3932.

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Updated 4/30/2020