There is no better time to start thinking about cooking outside than when the weather starts to warm up and it stays light outside longer.

While grilling can be a great alternative to cooking inside, did you know that almost 60% of all grill fires on residential properties occur in the summer?  These fires, that can damage property and cause injury and even death, are often preventable.

Follow the tips below to make sure you keep you and your family safe when grilling this summer. 

Top Grill Safety Tips

• Grills should only be used outdoors and at least 10 feet away from a house or any building.

• Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.

• The grill should be placed well away from deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Children and pets should stay away from the grill area.

• Grills should be kept clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill itself and in the trays below the grill.

• Never leave a grill unattended.

• Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from the grill.

Charcoal grills

• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the lit fire.

• Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.

• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

• Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.

• Store charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

Gas Grill

• Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks.

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when operating a gas grill

• If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed