The Washington Post‘s Wonkblog recently covered Americans’ growing penchant for gas grills. But we’re sure some of you still love a good charcoal-fueled cookout.
Whatever your grilling style, the American Red Cross has tips to help keep you, your family and your home safe.
For charcoal enthusiasts: Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
For gas grill devotees: Be ready to close the lid and turn off the grill to cut off the fuel if necessary.
Everyone:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
- Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
- Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
- Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
- Keep a fireproof pan under the grill to catch any falling ash or grease.
- Trim excess fat from meat to avoid flare-ups.
- Wash one’s hands in hot soapy water before preparing food, after touching raw meat and after any interruptions such as using the bathroom, handling pets, stopping to do something with children.