Column: From the Desk of Fire Chief Ron Cust

BBQ Safety Tips

• Position the grill outside, at a safe distance from the house. Never grill inside a garage or enclosed porch or under a breezeway, awning, carport or overhang that might catch fire.

• Check the grill’s propane hoses for cracks and brittleness, then trickle soapy water over the hoses and fittings. Look for bubbles that would indicate a propane leak, and address the problem before using the grill again. Check the connection
between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes – where the air
and gas mix – are not blocked.

• Never light a gas grill with the lid closed. Keep a spray bottle fi lled with water handy to suppress flare-ups and a fire extinguisher close by for emergencies.

• Keep the propane tank out of the sun and do not overfi ll it because they can expand in the hot weather and if they become too hot, they can create an explosion.

• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbeque.

• If flames seem unmanageable while grilling, shut the lid, back away, and call 911. When using a gas grill, if you hear a loud hissing or roaring sound, everyone at the barbecue should move at least 300 feet away from the grill as
there could be a potential explosion.

Please have a safe and fun summer. While enjoying your BBQ please be sure to ALWAYS keep small children closely supervised around any type of fire, whether it be a BBQ, active campfi re or fire pit.

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