Grill without regrets

Nothing says summertime like the smell of burgers on the grill. Before you fire up, be sure to follow these safety tips:

Make sure your grill is in good working order. If you’re using a propane grill, check the connections between the propane tank hose and the grill. Then, check for gas leaks. You can do this by turning the propane tank on and applying a small amount of soapy water to the hose. If there are bubbles around the hose, you have a gas leak. Turn off the tank and burners immediately and get the grill serviced before using it again. If the leak doesn’t stop, or if you smell gas while grilling, turn it off and call the fire department.

Kickin’ it old school with charcoal? Charcoal grills create a wonderful smoky flavor and are a lot more portable. Use only charcoal starter fluid and never add starter fluid when the coals have already been ignited. After grilling, be sure to let the coals cool completely before throwing away the ashes. And no matter what type of grill you use, make sure children and pets are kept a safe distance away.

Keep your grill clean. Always remember to clean your grill after your done cooking. This ensures that bacteria are kept away from your food as well prevents flare-ups. Allowing grease and fat to build up adds more fuel for fire as it is a major source of flare-ups.

Never leave your grill unattended. Anything can happen. Fires tend to double in size every minute. It’s best to plan ahead, do all of your food prep before firing up the grill. Remember to keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.

Remember to grill 10 feet away from your home. At least 10 feet is great, but even farther away is better. Never grill underneath wooden overhangs either, as this could cause a flare-up. Also, remember to pay attention to any overhanging tree branches when setting up your grill.

If you experience a severe burn, go to your closest emergency department. Baptist Health has seven emergency centers open 24/7 for children and adults.