A Few Simple Safety Tips for Summer Grilling

It's Grilling Season!!  Summer is here and barbecues and cookouts are on the agenda for weekend fun.

To ensure you are able to enjoy the outdoor activity all summer long, be sure to follow a few simple safety tips to avoid becoming one of the yearly average 9,600 homes needing fire department assistance from home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues.

1. Read the owner's manual on how to assemble and use your grill safely.

2. Remember - grills are intended for outdoor use only. Never barbecue in your home, garage or other enclosed space.

3. Open the gas grill before lighting to allow any collected gas beneath the lid to escape through the top.

4. Establish a 3-foot safety radius between the grill and any eaves, deck rails and siding.

5. Never leave a hot grill unattended. Nearly three in five adults have walked away from their grill while cooking - one of the leading causes of home fires.

6. Thoroughly clean your grill after each use to prevent a grease fire.

7. When finished, let any coals from your grill cool and place them in a metal can with a lid.

Simple enough! Following these 7 grilling practises can make or break a great outdoor cooking event.  Fill your summer with delicious grilled food, lots of outdoor fun and memorable good times with family and friends!