Universal Safety Tips

According to Perdue.com

  • Never leave a grill unattended once it has been lit.
  • Avoid exceptionally loose clothing, especially sleeves that can catch fire.
  • Follow manufacturer's directions.
  • Clean the grill regularly, using a grill brush. Some have a metal blade to scrape the grill rack; if yours does not, use a crumpled piece of aluminum foil.
  • Open all vents before and during cooking.
  • Long handled grilling tools make grilling easier & safer.
  • Brushes or a grill mop are used to glaze or marinate foods. Look for these with long handles and avoid nylon or other materials that might melt.
  • Long handled tongs and spatulas are recommended for turning foods on the grill. If you don't have tongs, try using two spatulas for better control.
  • Skewers are perfect for grilling. They come in bamboo, wood or metal. When using metal, be careful not to touch them while they are hot from the grill. Bamboo or wood skewers should be soaked in cool water so they won't ignite as you grill.
  • Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness.
  • Wash cutting boards, tools and all work surfaces before and after handling raw poultry.
  • Use a clean platter and utensils to serve

Gas Grills

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According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

  • Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.
  • Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
  • Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.
  • Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
  • Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.
  • Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.
  • Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.
  • Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill.

Charcoal

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

  • Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.
  • Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.