Grilling Safety Tips

Before firing up your grill, make sure you keep these grilling safety tips in mind!

Once the weather get nice, we start firing up the grill! In fact, during the summer, we probably grill more than cooking on the stove.

While my husband is a master griller at this point, there are some important grilling safety tips that you should always keep in mind.

From flare ups to gas leaks, there are many ways that your afternoon of grilling could end up in an emergency.

Keep these grilling safety tips in mind when cooking this summer!

Grilling Safety Tips

Avoid cross contamination. If a spatula or tongs touches raw or even rare meat, make sure to hold it over the fire for 10 seconds to kill any bacteria. Avoid touching raw meats and then touching other foods, plates or utensils. Disposable gloves are useful for handling raw meats.

Choose a location for your BBQ grill that is away from trees, leaves, brush and overhanging limbs. Do not setup your gill in a high traffic area where someone may accidentally brush up against the hot grill.

Make sure your grill is stable. When setting up your grill, make sure it is on a flat surface so the grill can’t be tipped over. Consider using a grill pad or splatter mat underneath your grill to protect your deck or patio.

Check for gas leaks. Check your gas cylinder and hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. To check for gas leaks, apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. This will reveal escaping gas by releasing bubbles.

Don’t start your grill with the lid close. Lighting your grill with a closed lid can cause a dangerous buildup of gas, creating a fireball. Keep your gas grill lid open when lighting it.

Have a fire extinguisher nearby anytime you’re grilling. While the chances that you will need a fire extinguisher while grilling is slim to none, it doesn’t hurt to have one on hand just in case!

Clean your grill! Your grill should be cleaned after each and every use, no exceptions. While no one likes cleaning the grill, it is essential for the life and safety of your grill. If you allow your grill to sit dirty, not only are you causing a potential fire and health hazard, but you are ultimately making it harder on yourself when it does come time to clean your grill.

Don’t forget to turn the grill off! It is easy to get distracted after your food is done cooking. But before you completely walk away from the grill, make sure you turn it off.

Looking for more grilling recipes? Need some help with the grill? We’ve got you covered!