Grilling safety is a must for summer cookouts

 

Shorts, flip flops and glowing coals in the grill are just a few of the signs of summer. Invite some friends and family and it’s the perfect combination for a great cookout.  
While a fire in the grill under some juicy hamburgers, tasty hotdogs or flavorful vegetables is a welcome sight, keeping safety in mind for everyone around is a must, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Extension housing and consumer specialist and interim associate dean.  

“Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned family cookout? However, safety must be your first concern during grilling season,” Peek said. “You probably don’t want the local fire department crashing your party, so safety is key.”  

Placement of an outdoor grill, whether it be charcoal or propane, is essential. Keep it at least 10 feet or more from the house and everything attached to the home, such as carports, porches, decks, deck railings and garages, as well as all vehicles. Also, grills should not be placed under wooden overhangs or under tree branches, and never use a charcoal or propane grill indoors.  

Be sure to check for gas leaks. Make a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rub it on the hoses and connection, then turn on the gas. Make sure the lid of the grill is open while checking for leaks to prevent gas from building up. If the soap forms large bubbles, that is a sign that either the hoses have tiny holes or the connections are not tight enough.  

“Don’t try to repair the tank valve yourself. It’s best to leave that to the professionals,” Peek said. 

When lighting the grill, make sure the lid is always up. Gas can build up inside the grill when the lid is down and cause an explosion. Also, keep the grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup in the tray below.  

“If you’re using a charcoal grill, use a charcoal chimney to start the coals,” she said. “When using lighter fluid, use only the type designed specifically for charcoal. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Also, store the lighter fluid away from heat sources.”  

Peek recommends keeping a spray bottle of water, as well as a fire extinguisher nearby. It will come in handy for small flare-ups, and the water will not hurt the foods on the grill.   

“Something else I recommend during grilling season is to keep a small fire extinguisher handy and be sure you know how to use it before you may possibly need it,” she said. “During an actual fire emergency is not the time to be reading the operation instructions. If your fire starts to get out of control, call 911 immediately.” 

When placing foods on the grill, don’t overload it, especially if cooking fatty meats.  
“If too much fat drips on the flames, it can cause a large flare-up very quickly,” Peek said.  

Fires can double in size every 60 seconds. Plan ahead and make sure all grilling prep work is done ahead of time to devote 100 percent attention to the grill. 

Something else to keep in mind is lit grills should not be left unattended, and children and pets should be kept away from the grilling area.   

“Summertime is a great time for family and friends to gather in the backyard for a barbecue,” she said. “Using these safety tips will help ensure an enjoyable time together.”