Be Careful When Using The Barbecue

[caption id="attachment_9174" align="alignleft" width="283"] Barbecue Safety[/caption]

In the Spring and Summer, you're probably going to be using your barbecue a lot. As fun as it may seem, be aware for some of these safety hazards. Happy Friday everyone! Hope everyone survived that hail storm:

1. Check equipment before using. One of the easiest ways to prevent an accident from happening is by inspecting your grill prior to use. Make sure there are no cracks in the unit or tears in the tubing (if using a gas grill) that may cause leaks. You may even want to take your grill for a test drive by turning it on and off just to ensure it functions properly.

2. Be mindful of the surrounding area. The majority of grills should be used outdoors. Therefore, it is important to keep a good distance between your home and grill for safety. Grills left too close to a patio create an opportunity for an unwanted accident. Place grills on a clean surface and away from any potentially flammable debris (e.g. mulch, leaves and recyclables). As always, parents should be extremely mindful of nearby play areas for children.

3. Use charcoal grills properly. Charcoal grills require the burning of charcoal to ignite flames necessary for cooking and thus produce carbon monoxide. For this reason, it is important to use all grills outdoors as fumes can become toxic in closed areas. You should never spray lighter fluid directly onto a fire. Instead, start with just a small amount prior to ignition and monitor the grill at all times to avoid overheating.

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