🍔 BBQ Safety Tips

Barbecuing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors—but it also comes with fire and safety risks. Follow these tips to keep your cookouts safe and enjoyable.

✅ Before You BBQ

• Set up outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from buildings, windows, doors, and anything flammable.
• Place your BBQ on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping.
• Inspect your BBQ if it’s been unused for a while:
  • Check for blocked burners or grease buildup.
  • Use soapy water to test for gas leaks—look for bubbles.
  • Replace cracked or damaged hoses and check all seals.
  • Have any issues serviced by a qualified technician.

🔥 Lighting Your BBQ

• Always open the lid before lighting.
• Follow these steps:
  1. Open the shutoff valve on the tank.
  2. Turn on the burner controls.
  3. Use the igniter switch or a safe lighting method—never lean over the grill.
• If it doesn’t light right away, turn off the gas and wait before trying again.

👨‍🍳 While Cooking

• Never leave a lit BBQ unattended.
• Use long-handled tools and heat-resistant mitts.
• Inspect your BBQ brush regularly—loose bristles can stick to food and cause injury.
• Consider switching to bristle-free alternatives.

🧯 After You’re Done

• Turn off the gas valve and let any remaining gas burn off.
• Close the burner controls.
• For charcoal BBQs, allow coals to cool completely—this can take several hours.

⚠️ Know Your Fuel

• Propane is heavier than air and can collect in low areas.
• Natural gas is lighter and will rise and dissipate.
• Both are odorless—a “rotten egg” smell is added for safety.
• BBQs can produce carbon monoxide—never use them indoors or in enclosed spaces.