18 for 2018: Propane Safety Tips for Grilling Season

Posted: April 23, 2018
Now that the snow’s gone and the buds are back on the trees here in North Carolina, we can officially call it spring and actually mean it – which means it’s also time to dust off the propane grill, refill your propane cylinders, and get cooking!
Just remember to do it safely: every year thousands of preventable accidents – from house fires to burn injuries – occur due to the careless use of outdoor grills. Don’t become a statistic!
Follow these 18 tips for safe grilling in 2018:
- Before you use your propane grill, check the connection between the tank and the fuel line, and check all hoses for cracks or damage.
- Always clean your propane grill after using it (old grease can create dangerous flare-ups).
- Keep a fire extinguisher near your grill, and make everyone knows where it is.
- Never throw a lit match in a gas grill.
- Never leave a grill unattended.
- Never use a grill if your starter is broken.
- Avoid wearing baggy clothing while grilling.
- Use long utensils to avoid burns on your arms and hands.
- Cover the grill when not in use to avoid to rusting and corrosion.
- Take care when grilling high-fat foods, which can produce high flames. Better yet, skip the high-fat foods and grill healthy!
- Make sure your food is cooked to proper, healthy temperatures.
- Always follow the instructions from your manufacturer’s manual.
- Avoid using a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof.
- Never grill indoors! It is a fire and carbon monoxide hazard.
- Always store propane cylinders outdoors, standing up.
- Never attempt to fix a tank valve or grill yourself – bring it in for an inspection and a refill.
- Always keep the grill stable on a flat surface so it can’t be tipped over.
- When transporting a propane cylinder, make sure the vehicle is ventilated, that the cylinder valve is closed and plugged or capped, and that you do not leave the tank in the car unattended.
Enjoy your outdoor grilling season – and as always, stay safe in 2018. If you’re ready for a propane grill upgrade, visit one of our convenient showrooms in Smithfield, Newton Grove, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Mt. Olive and Clinton, NC – we’ve got lots of options from Wilmington Grill, Holland, and Big Green Egg to choose from!