5 Summer Barbecue Safety Tips

Having a barbecue is a great way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying great food. However, it’s important to keep in mind that grilling — especially with a gas grill — can be dangerous if you’re not careful.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 9,600 home fires are caused by grilling each year — and May is the second highest month of incidence, after July. The leading causes? A failure to clean, having the grill too close to flammable items and leaving the grill unattended.

Be sure to keep these five summer barbecue safety tips in mind:

1. Whether you have a propane or charcoal grill, clean it before every use to prevent grease and fat from building up from the grills and in the trays below.


2. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.


3. Never leave the grill unattended while cooking. If you need to go into the house, turn the grill off until you return.


4. Keep dishtowels and food packaging away from the grill. They could easily ignite and start a fire. Similarly, the grill should be placed well away from your house and deck railings and not be directly under eaves or overhanging branches.


5. Only use barbecue grills outdoors.