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Video by Angela Grice, JE Snowden

USACRC Safety Short - Grilling

U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center

Feb. 7, 2024 | 0:41

USACRC Safety Shorts Series - Grilling
July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May and August and gas grills contribute to a higher number of fires than charcoal grills. However, catastrophic grilling mishaps can occur any time you light up the grill.
Before you fire up your grill look over these safety tips:

Use propane and charcoal grills outdoors only. Grilling inside any type of enclosed space, such as a tent or even a garage, poses both a fire hazard and escalates the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

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

The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Keep your grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup. Periodically clean the trays below the grill so the heat source used during cooking won’t ignite the grease and food residue.

Never leave your grill unattended.

Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

Clean and perform general maintenance on gas grills at least twice a year. Check the regulator, hoses, burner parts, air shutter, and valve section carefully. Always turn off gas at the source (tank or supply line) prior to inspecting parts. Check the owner’s manual for any additional maintenance requirements.

If using a gas cylinder, check the hose for leaks periodically, especially before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by forming bubbles.

NEVER add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited and never use anything other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going. Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.