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Don't Get Burned: Follow These Safety Tips when Using Your Outdoor Grill

Barbeques are meant to be relaxing, enjoyable occasions to enjoy the company of family and friends. To ensure that barbeques do not threaten the safety of yourself, your guests, and your home, remember that anytime you work with fire, there's a risk involved.

Follow these safety tips to guide you through a safe grilling process.

• Plan ahead and be cautious before, during, and after grilling.
• Read your grill's owners manual before using it and make sure you follow all recommended safety procedures.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy, or at least baking soda to control a grease fire, a bucket of sand, or a garden hose.
• Always use barbeque grills outside. Never use grills in a trailer, tent, house, garage, or other enclosed space, as carbon monoxide can build up and become deadly.
• Use your grill in an open, well-ventilated area at least 10 feet away from buildings, structures, branches, dry leaves, or brush.
• Do not use propane grills on a balcony, deck, or patio. Instead, use a charcoal grill.
• Ensure that the grill is stable and will not tip over.
• Avoid burns and splatters by using long-handed utensils and wear safe clothing without hanging shirt trails or apron strings that can easily be caught in the flame.
• Place a grill pad or splatter made beneath your grill to protect your deck or patio from any dripping grease.
• Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill, as they are flammable.
• Enforce a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill when it is in use.
• Keep your grill clean by periodically removing grease or fat buildup from trays below grill.
• Wait until a grill is cooled down before trying to move or reposition it.

Your Northern Virginia barbeque should be nothing less than quality time spent with family or guests. To make sure your barbeque gatherings are memorable - in a good way - make safety a top priority whenever using your outdoor grill.