Over 50% grill fires happen on a terrace, patio, or balcony
50% of injuries from grills are burns
Safety Tips
Use propane & charcoal BBQ grills outdoors only
Keep grill away from the house, deck railings & out from under eaves & overhanging branches & trees
Keep children & pets at least three feet away from the grill area. Especially during pool parties where there are many children, maintain caution.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup on the grill & tray below the grill
If clothing catches fire, remember Stop, Drop, & Roll!
Never leave your grill unattended
See "Food & Cooking Safety" below
Charcoal Grills
Location:
* Keep grill at least 8-feet away from walls, structures, buildings * Do not use on wooden decks, wooden furniture, or combustible surfaces
If you use starter fluid, only use fluid for charcoal only. Never add charcoal fluid or other flammable liquid to a lit fire
Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and aware form heat sources
Since charcoal produces Carbon Monoxide fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals
When done grilling, let coals cool completely before discarding in metal container only (never dump hot coals onto sand or dirt where someone could get burned while stepping on)
Propane & Gas Grills
Check gas tank hose for leaks before using for the first time each year
Apply light soap & water solution to the hose. Bubbles will appear if leaking
If there is a leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test (when there is no flame), turn off the gas tank
If the leak stops, get the grill services by a professional before using it again
If the leak does not stop, call the fire department
If you smell gas while cooking:
* Immediately get away from the grill * Call fire department * Do not move grill
Food & Cooking Safety
CLEAN
When preparing food, wash hands and surfaces often. Especially cleaning after preparing raw meats.
SEPARATE
Use separate plates for raw and cooked food when grilling.
COOK
Cook food to its correct temperature by using a food thermometer:
Whole poultry: 165 °F
Poultry breasts: 165 °F
Ground poultry: 165 °F
Ground meats: 165 °F
Beef, pork, lamb and veal (steak, roast and chops): 145 °F
CHILL
Do not leave food at room temperature for longer than 2-hours!
More on food safety (reducing cross contamination, transporting food, etc.) visit USDA FSIS and Fight Bac!